Edam Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
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 Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Edam Cheese (cow's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | — |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | — |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Edam Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.