Double Gloucester Cheese vs Edam Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

What Is Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Edam Cheese?

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Edam Cheese (Netherlands)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Edam Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Edam Cheese's almost no smell when young. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Edam Cheese leans toward sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Edam Cheese?

In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Edam Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for rubber-textured to crystalline. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Edam Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Double Gloucester Cheese. For a rubber-textured to crystalline profile, Edam Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Edam Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, milky, nutty, buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Edam Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Edam Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Edam Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Edam Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Edam Cheese is sweet, milky, nutty, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Edam Cheese is closer to almost no smell when young.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

What is Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Edam Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline.