Edam Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Edam Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | — |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | — |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Edam Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.