Edam Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Edam Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Edam Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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.

Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Raclette du Valais Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Edam is not a protected cheese. Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste.

Appearance and Aging

Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Raclette du Valais Cheese comes in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and has an aging period of minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker .

Rind and Rennet Type

Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Edam is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette du Valais is ranked #295 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Edam Cheese Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Switzerland
Specific Origin North Of Holland Canton Of Valais
Certification Not Specified GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Moisture Content Not Specified 36-44%
Rind Smooth, waxed Washed
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Semisoft, smooth
Taste Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'
Colors Red Not Specified
Forms Round Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais
Age 3 months to longer Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette du Valais might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette du Valais offers a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

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