Edam is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk that originated in the Netherlands, and is named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland.
Like most other cheese, Edam cheese has a mild and salty flavor at first, but one thing different is that Edam cheese almost has no smell. As Edam cheese ages, its flavor sharpens, and it becomes firmer.
Curious about Edam cheese? Here’s all you need to know about taste, how the cheese is made and how you can use it.
What is Edam Cheese?
The semi-hard cheese known as Edam has its roots in the northern parts of the Netherlands, where milk from cows or goats gives it its savory flavor. While creamy textures and mellower undertones fill your palate when it is young, it develops a stronger flavor as it ages. The base is composed of a subdued mixture of creamy and nutty tones, with faint sparks of salt. In its early stages, it has a springy texture; however, as it ages, it becomes drier and crumblier.
With rich fruit (i.e. apricots, peaches and cherries), young The lively and tangy tones of its competitors are contrasted vividly by Edam. Aged varieties taste their best when served as an appetizer or dessert with tart apples or pears.
With its softer nuances and texture, Edam is regarded as a delicacy and a great choice for younger audiences. It is also produced in Spain, North and South America.
How Edam is Made
Edam is made from straightforward but flavorful ingredients, creating a potent blend of calming tastes and textures. Without any methods of accelerating or artificial seasoning, the flavors are allowed to develop naturally.
Pasteurized cow’s milk is given a natural animal rennet addition. This starts coagulation and contributes to the formation of the curd. The curd is cut and separated after it has set and taken on its final form, allowing the whey to drain off. In order to prevent any traces of acidity and bitterness, excess whey is drained, which encourages the perfect concentration of flavor and texture. The curd is pressed into spheres or placed into molds once it has completely drained. A thorough brining of salt imparts flavor while preventing any undesirable bacterial growth. The following month is spent maturing on wooden racks, with mature cheeses reaching aging periods of up to one year. Wax is applied to the rind of cheese that will be exported in order to facilitate transportation and protect against contamination.
Most varieties of edam are typically gluten-free because no preservatives or additives are used in their production. Vegetarians should be aware of the rennet’s origin, though, as they should stay away from Edam if it contains animal rennet. In any case, be certain to read the label.
Uses of Edam Cheese
Fruit like apricots, peaches, melons, and cherries pair well with mild Edam. Aged Edam is often eaten with traditional “cheese fruits” like pears and apples. Like most cheeses, it is commonly eaten on crackers and bread, and may be eaten with crackers following the main course of a meal as a dessert of “cheese and biscuits”. Some suggested wines to pair with this cheese include Pinot Gris, dry or semidry Riesling, sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Shiraz/Syrah.
Substitutes for Edam Cheese
When a recipe calls for Edam, mild semi-hard cheeses can provide a similar but different perspective.
Gouda and Edam have similar mild flavors and other characteristics. This cheese has a dense, springy texture and sweet, creamy flavors with hints of hazelnut and tender butter.
When looking for a cheese that can stand alone or be paired with other ingredients, Cheddar is the sharper, bolder alternative to Edam. As its distinguishing flavors, it boasts hints of hazelnut and caramelized butter.
Final Thoughts
Edam cheese is made from skimmed and part-skimmed cow’s milk, giving it a lower fat content than its native gouda and other semi-hard cheeses. It has a smooth texture and a mild, nutty, salty flavor that gets sharper as it ages.
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FAQs
What Is Edam Cheese Similar to?
Mild semi-hard cheeses can offer similar but unique angles when substituting Edam in a dish. Equally mild in taste, Gouda shares nearly identical qualities with Edam. Dense and springy in texture, this cheese features sweet and creamy tones with notes of hazelnut and soft butter.
How Does Edam Cheese Taste?
Edam is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that originated in the Edam region of the Netherlands. It has a pale-yellow color, and a mild, nutty, salty flavor when it’s young, which becomes sharper and tangier as the cheese ages.
Is Edam Similar to Gouda?
Edam is drier, lighter and tarter than Gouda, flows less when melted and browns better. It ages for a longer period of time without deteriorating. Gouda is made from whole milk and has 8% more fat than Edam. This makes it flow when melted.
