Edam Cheese vs Kanafeh Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft, originating in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
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 Kanafeh Cheese?
Knafeh is an Arab dessert of spun kadayif pastry layered with soft white cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. Nablus in Palestine is known for its version, made with the city's firm, salty Nabulsi cheese and served hot under crushed pistachios.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Kanafeh Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Kanafeh Cheese (soft)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Kanafeh Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Kanafeh Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Levant |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Soft |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Kanafeh Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet character. 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 Kanafeh Cheese leans toward sugar syrup with rose water or orange blossom water, salty cheese, crushed pistachio.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
Edam Cheese can stand in for Kanafeh 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Kanafeh 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 soft profile, Kanafeh Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Kanafeh Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Kanafeh Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Kanafeh Cheese comes from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Kanafeh Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Kanafeh Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Kanafeh Cheese is sweet.
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 Kanafeh Cheese made of?
Kanafeh Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Kanafeh Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft.