Edam Cheese vs Herrgardsost Cheese

Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Herrgardsost Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Sweden.

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 Herrgardsost Cheese?

Herrgardsost is a semi-hard Swedish cheese made from cow's milk, aged three months to two years. It has small round holes, a waxed surface, and a mild, nutty, creamy taste.

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

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Herrgardsost Cheese (Sweden)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Herrgardsost Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Herrgardsost Cheese (waxed)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Herrgardsost Cheese (3 to 4 months, up to 2 years)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Herrgardsost Cheese (mild, nutty, sweet, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Herrgardsost Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Herrgardsost Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet, tangy character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Herrgardsost Cheese's grassy. 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 Herrgardsost Cheese leans toward mild, nutty, creamy with age. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Herrgardsost Cheese at 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Herrgardsost Cheese?

In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Herrgardsost Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Herrgardsost Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Herrgardsost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, elastic cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Herrgardsost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Herrgardsost Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, sweet, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Herrgardsost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Herrgardsost Cheese comes from Sweden. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Herrgardsost Cheese 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Herrgardsost Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Herrgardsost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Edam Cheese taste like Herrgardsost Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Herrgardsost Cheese is mild, nutty, sweet, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Herrgardsost Cheese is closer to grassy.

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 Herrgardsost Cheese made of?

Herrgardsost Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years. It originates in Sweden.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Herrgardsost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Herrgardsost Cheese is semi-hard.