Edam Holland Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese
Edam Holland Cheese is a firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age cow-milk cheese, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Edam Holland Cheese?
Edam Holland is a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, made from cow's milk. It is known for its ball, loaf, or block shapes and is naturally matured in Dutch maturing rooms. The cheese has a mild to piquant flavor, depending on its age and type. It has a firm, smooth, and dry rind, formed by drying during maturation. The cheese's color ranges from ivory to yellow, with a uniform cross-section and small round holes. Edam Holland is matured for a minimum of 28 days, with a minimum of 21 days for the baby version. The cheese is made using pasteurized milk and non-genetically modified cultures, with rennet from calf or microbial sources.
What Is Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard cheese from the region of Lille, France, known for its bright orange color and spherical shape. It has a firm texture and a nutty, sweet flavor that deepens as it ages. Older Mimolette is known for its dry and crumbly texture, making it an excellent grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Edam Holland Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?
- Texture: Edam Holland Cheese (Firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
- Rind: Edam Holland Cheese (Firm, smooth, dry, clean, no fungal flora), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
- Aging: Edam Holland Cheese (Minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version)), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
- Taste: Edam Holland Cheese (Mild to piquant), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Holland Cheese | Mimolette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age | Smooth, creamy body |
| Rind | Firm, smooth, dry, clean, no fungal flora | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version) | 6 weeks to 24 months |
| Taste | Mild to piquant | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Holland Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?
Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Holland Cheese at minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version) develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.
Can You Substitute Edam Holland Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Holland Cheese and Mimolette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Holland Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age cheese, go with Edam Holland Cheese. For a smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Holland Cheese suits recipes that want mild to piquant notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Holland Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Edam Holland Cheese is typically aged minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version), Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.
Is Edam Holland Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Holland Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Holland Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?
Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.
What is Edam Holland Cheese made of?
Edam Holland Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf's abomasum or microbial origin, not genetically modified rennet. It's typically aged minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version).
What is Mimolette Cheese made of?
Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Edam Holland Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Holland Cheese is firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.