Edam Cheese vs P'tit Basque Cheese

Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while P'tit Basque Cheese is semi-soft 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 P'tit Basque Cheese?

P'tit Basque is a French sheep's milk cheese that Lactalis introduced in 1997, sold in small wheels of about 1.25 lb (0.57 kg). It ages for 70 days, smells pungent, and tastes mild for a sheep's milk cheese.

What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and P'tit Basque Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), P'tit Basque Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Edam Cheese (Cow's milk), P'tit Basque Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), P'tit Basque Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), P'tit Basque Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), P'tit Basque Cheese (70 days)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), P'tit Basque Cheese (creamy, nutty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like P'tit Basque Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while P'tit Basque Cheese brings creamy, nutty, sweet character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with P'tit Basque Cheese's pungent. More specifically, Edam Cheese shows sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities, while P'tit Basque Cheese leans toward mild for a sheep's milk cheese. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than P'tit Basque Cheese at 70 days.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for P'tit Basque Cheese?

Edam Cheese can stand in for P'tit Basque 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-soft. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while P'tit Basque Cheese brings creamy, nutty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or P'tit Basque 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-soft profile, P'tit Basque Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while P'tit Basque Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as P'tit Basque Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while P'tit Basque Cheese comes from France. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; P'tit Basque Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, P'tit Basque Cheese 70 days.

Is Edam Cheese similar to P'tit Basque Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for P'tit Basque Cheese?

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

Does Edam Cheese taste like P'tit Basque Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while P'tit Basque Cheese is creamy, nutty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and P'tit Basque Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 P'tit Basque Cheese made of?

P'tit Basque Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 70 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or P'tit Basque Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while P'tit Basque Cheese is semi-soft.