Edam Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Edam Cheese
Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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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 Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is an Italian cheese made from the milk of the Agerolese cow in the hills behind Naples. It is named for the heavy cloaks its makers wore when they landed at the port of Naples, and it has held PDO status since 2010.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Edam Cheese (pasteurized), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, elastic | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Provolone del Monaco Cheese's sweet and buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Provolone del Monaco 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 profile, Provolone del Monaco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Provolone del Monaco Cheese at least 6 months.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Provolone del Monaco Cheese is closer to sweet and buttery.
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 Provolone del Monaco Cheese made of?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using kid rennet paste or calf liquid rennet or a combination of both rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is semi-hard.