Edam Cheese vs Geitost Cheese

Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.

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 Geitost Cheese?

Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.

What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Geitost Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Edam Cheese (cow's milk), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Geitost Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Geitost Cheese (not aged)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel. More specifically, Edam Cheese shows sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities, while Geitost Cheese leans toward sweet and caramel-like, with a tang that is sharper in the goat's milk versions. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Geitost Cheese at not aged.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

Edam Cheese can stand in for Geitost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a semi-hard, whey profile, Geitost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Geitost Cheese not aged.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Edam Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.

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 Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey.