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

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".

Taste and Aroma

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh".

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 . Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless .

Ranking

Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Mascarpone is ranked #37 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Edam Mascarpone
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Asti Spumante, Fruit Compote, Kiwi, Mangoes, Prosecco, Raspberry, Strawberries
Other Good Pairings Chardonnay No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Mascarpone pages.

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 Pasteurized Heated
Fat Content Not Specified 60 to 75 percent
Rind Smooth, waxed Rindless
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Soft, spreadable
Taste Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery Buttery to slightly tangy
Aroma Not Specified Fresh
Colors Red White
Forms Round Not Specified
Age 3 months to longer Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a soft, spreadable consistency, Mascarpone might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Mascarpone offers a buttery to slightly tangy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

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