Edam Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese

Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.

What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Edam Cheese (Cow's milk), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Edam Cheese (pasteurized), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Semi-hard, creamy)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Ossau-Iraty Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Edam Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, creamy. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Ossau-Iraty 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, creamy profile, Ossau-Iraty Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, herbaceous, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese comes from France. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; Ossau-Iraty Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Ossau-Iraty Cheese minimum 80-120 days.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Edam Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is fruity, herbaceous, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Ossau-Iraty Cheese is closer to rich.

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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

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