The Netherlands
The Netherlands, has a 17.5 million population in an area of 41,5000 square kilometres.
This makes it one of the most densely populated country per sq km ,not only in the whole of Europe but in the world. Dutch is the official national language spoken and Frisian in the northern province of Fryslan is the local official language.
Netherlands, means a low lying country, Holland derives from the word “Houtland” which translates to “Wooded Land”.
The Netherlands Food History
During the Middle Ages, beer was made in monasteries and in households. The barley or wheat would be flavoured with gruit, which is mixture of herbs.
It wasn't until the 14th century, that hop was used to flavour beer. German brewers had begun experimenting with this instead of gruit. The hop plant is part of the hemp family, and it is the flowers that are used. Not only does it taste great and helps balance out the flavour, it is has antibacterial properties. This improved the quality and shelf life of beer.
Willem Beukelszoon has been credited with inventing a process called "gibbing" around 1380. Instead of fully gutting a fish ; the liver, pancreas and a portion of the gut is left intact. This method not only increased longer storage but it also helped revolutionize the fishing trade. As "gibbing" a fish perfectly preserved and cured it, enabling long-distance trade.
Soon enough, by the 15th-16th century the economy was booming. And the fishing industry became key to the growing Dutch economy, as it dominated the herring industry across Europe.
Today, the first herring catch of the season is celebrated on " Vlaggetjesdag".
Popular Dutch Recipes
Dutch food has been categorized into 3 regional types of cuisine.
Popular Northeastern Dutch Recipes:
(Regions: Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijsel, & Gelderland)
- Rookworst
- Stamppot, mashed potatoes with vegetables
- Hutspot
- Kruudmoes
Popular Western Dutch Recipes:
(Regions: North Holland, South Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht & Betuwe)
- Kibbeling
- Lekkerbekje
- Amsterdamse uitjes, pickled onions
- Oliebol
- Stroopwafel
Popular Southern Recipes:
(Regions: North Brabant, Limburg, & Flanders)
Is influenced by French Haute Cuisine and is known for their stews, soups, and pastries.
- Hachee
- Vlaai
- Moorkop
- Bossche Bol