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Cheddar Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Maasdam Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Maasdam Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Maasdam Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Maasdam Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Maasdam Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Maasdam 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.
Maasdam Cheese Overview
Maasdam cheese is the Dutch answer to Swiss cheeses, recognizable by its large holes and sweet, nutty flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a semi-soft texture. Maasdam matures faster than other holey cheeses like Emmental, developing its distinctive flavor and appearance in just a few weeks.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Maasdam Cheese originated from Netherlands.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Maasdam 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)". Maasdam's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Maasdam Cheese has a nutty, sweet 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 . Maasdam Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Maasdam is ranked #35 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Maasdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Maasdam pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| 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) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty, sweet |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Maasdam might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Maasdam offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
