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Comté Cheese vs Edam Cheese
Comté Cheese
Edam Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Edam Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Edam Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Edam Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Edam Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Edam Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Edam Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
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
Comté Cheese comes from France. Edam Cheese originated from Netherlands.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Edam is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste.
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 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
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views. Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Edam | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Chardonnay |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Edam pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Edam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | North Of Holland |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Smooth, waxed |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Rubber-textured to crystalline |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Red |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Round |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | 3 months to longer |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a rubber-textured to crystalline consistency, Edam might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Edam offers a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
