Edam Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
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 Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Edam Cheese (cow's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Artisan |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. 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 Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Edam Cheese can stand in for Pule Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for artisan. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Pule Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
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 Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Pule Cheese is artisan.