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Edam Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Edam Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Stilton 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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Edam is ranked #13 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Edam | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | England |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Natural |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Spicy, strong |
| Colors | Red | Blue-grey |
| Forms | Round | Not Specified |
| Age | 3 months to longer | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
