Search
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Edam Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese
Edam Cheese
Mascarpone Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Mascarpone 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.
Mascarpone Cheese Overview
Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Edam is ranked #15 out of 377 types.
Mascarpone is ranked #46 out of 377 types.
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Mascarpone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable".
Flavor and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery flavor. Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy flavor.
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Mascarpone Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed .
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Mascarpone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North of Holland | Lombardy |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Mostly pasteurized | Heated |
| Fat Content | 60 to 75 percent | |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Soft, spreadable |
| Flavor | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Buttery to slightly tangy |
| Colors | Red | White |
| Forms | Round | |
| Age | 3 months to longer |
