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Edam Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Edam Cheese
Fontina Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Fontina Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Fontina Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Fontina 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.
Fontina Cheese Overview
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Fontina Cheese originated from Italy.
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. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of none. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)".
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Fontina Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed , with traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.
Ranking
Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Fontina is ranked #66 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Edam | Fontina | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Fontina pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Not Specified |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | ~30-45% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~45-50% |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Natural, Often Washed |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Semi-Soft |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild to Pungent (earthier in aged versions) |
| Colors | Red | Pale Yellow to Golden |
| Forms | Round | Wheel, Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | 3 months to longer | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional (Animal) or Microbial (varies by producer) |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Fontina offers a mild, buttery, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
