Edam Cheese vs Saint Albray Cheese

Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Saint Albray Cheese is soft and made from cow 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 Saint Albray Cheese?

Saint Albray is a French soft cheese from Aquitaine, made with pasteurized cow's milk and invented in 1976. It is shaped like the head of a flower, with petals around a hollow center.

What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Saint Albray Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Saint Albray Cheese (France)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Saint Albray Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Saint Albray Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Saint Albray Cheese (2 weeks)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Saint Albray Cheese (mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Saint Albray Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Saint Albray Cheese brings mild, sweet character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Saint Albray Cheese's buttery, mild. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Saint Albray Cheese at 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Saint Albray Cheese?

In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Saint Albray 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Saint Albray Cheese brings mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Saint Albray 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 soft profile, Saint Albray Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Saint Albray Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Saint Albray Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Saint Albray Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Saint Albray Cheese 2 weeks.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Saint Albray Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Saint Albray Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Edam Cheese taste like Saint Albray Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Saint Albray Cheese is mild, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Saint Albray Cheese is closer to buttery, mild.

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 Saint Albray Cheese made of?

Saint Albray Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Saint Albray Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Saint Albray Cheese is soft.