Edam Cheese vs Feta Cheese

Edam Cheese

Feta Cheese

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

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

Feta Cheese Overview

Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Feta Cheese originated from Greece.

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. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002).

Milk Type and Treatment

Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine".

Taste and Aroma

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".

Appearance and Aging

Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Feta Cheese has a color of white , comes in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and has an aging period of 2 months to longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .

Ranking

Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Feta is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Edam Feta
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes
Other Good Pairings Chardonnay Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Feta pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Edam Cheese Feta Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Greece
Specific Origin North Of Holland Throughout Greece
Certification Not Specified PDO (2002)
Milk Type Cow's milk Goat's and sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Pasteurized, sometimes raw
Moisture Content Not Specified High
Rind Smooth, waxed None
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Soft, white, aged in brine
Taste Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery Sharp to mild
Aroma Not Specified Nutty, strong
Colors Red White
Forms Round Blocks submerged in brine, barrels
Age 3 months to longer 2 months to longer

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a soft, white, aged in brine consistency, Feta might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Feta offers a sharp to mild profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Feta Cheese to Other Cheeses

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