Edam Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

Edam Cheese

Emmental Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Emmental Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese and Emmental Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Edam Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese or Emmental Cheese better?"

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.

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Emmental Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Edam is not a protected cheese. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).

Milk Type and Treatment

Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard".

Taste and Aroma

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.

Appearance and Aging

Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Emmental Cheese has a color of yellow , comes in round loaves and has an aging period of 4 months to over 1 year .

Rind and Rennet Type

Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed .

Ranking

Edam is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Edam Cheese Emmental Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Switzerland
Specific Origin North Of Holland Emmental, Canton Of Bern
Certification Not Specified PDO (2004)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Rind Smooth, waxed Not Specified
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Hard or medium-hard
Taste Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery Nutty, sweet
Colors Red Yellow
Forms Round Round loaves
Age 3 months to longer 4 months to over 1 year

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Emmental offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

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