Edam Cheese vs Gruyère Cheese

Edam Cheese

Gruyère Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Gruyère Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese and Gruyère Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Edam Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese or Gruyère 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.

Gruyère Cheese Overview

Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in <a href="https://anycheese.com/glossary/fondue/" title="Learn All About Fondue">fondue</a> and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Edam is ranked #15 out of 377 types.

Gruyère is ranked #40 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Gruyère Cheese originated from Switzerland.

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. Gruyère Cheese has a AOP (2007).

Milk Type and Treatment

Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Gruyère Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Gruyère Cheese has a fat content of around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. and a moisture content of none. Gruyère's texture can be described as "dense, moister".

Flavor and Aroma

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery flavor. Gruyère Cheese has a nutty, complex flavor. Gruyère's aroma can be described as "earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy".

Appearance and Aging

Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Gruyère Cheese has a color of varies , comes in cylindrical and has an aging period of 5 months to 24+ .

Rind and Rennet Type

Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Gruyère Cheese's rind is described as natural, orangy , with animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Edam Cheese Gruyère Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Switzerland
Specific Origin North of Holland Switzerland, specifically the Gruyère region.
Certification None AOP (2007)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Mostly pasteurized Raw
Fat Content Around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content.
Moisture Content Approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture.
Rind Smooth, waxed Natural, orangy
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Dense, moister
Flavor Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery Nutty, complex
Aroma Earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy
Colors Red Varies
Forms Round Cylindrical
Age 3 months to longer 5 months to 24+
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gruyère Cheese to Other Cheeses

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