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Cheddar Cheese vs Edam Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Edam Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Edam Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Edam Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Edam Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Edam Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Edam Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Edam Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Edam Cheese Overview
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that is recognizable by its typically red or yellow wax coating. Made from partially skimmed cow's milk, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Edam ages well and does not spoil; instead, it hardens, which makes it an excellent cheese for long-term storage.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Edam Cheese originated from Netherlands.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste.
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Edam Cheese has a color of red , comes in round and has an aging period of 3 months to longer .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Edam is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Edam | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Chardonnay |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Edam pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Edam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | North Of Holland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Smooth, waxed |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Rubber-textured to crystalline |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Red |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Round |
| Age | A few months to several years | 3 months to longer |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a rubber-textured to crystalline consistency, Edam might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Edam offers a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
