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Edam Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese
Edam Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Halloumi Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Halloumi Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Halloumi 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.
Halloumi Cheese Overview
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Edam is ranked #15 out of 866 types based on community views.
Halloumi is ranked #128 out of 866 types based on community views.
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.
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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".
Flavor and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery flavor. Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty flavor. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Halloumi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Cyprus |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Cyprus |
| Certification | None | PDO (2014) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | None |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | No rind |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Semihard |
| Flavor | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Mild, salty |
| Aroma | None | Strong |
| Colors | Red | White to light yellow |
| Forms | Round | None |
| Age | 3 months to longer | 40 days |
| Rennet Type | None | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.
