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Edam Cheese vs Swiss Cheese
Edam Cheese
Swiss Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Swiss 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.
Swiss Cheese Overview
Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".
Taste and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
Ranking
Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Edam | Swiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Swiss pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Swiss Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | United States |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | ~28-32% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~37-41% |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | None |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Semi-Firm |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild, Slightly Nutty |
| Colors | Red | Pale Yellow |
| Forms | Round | Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | 3 months to longer | Typically 1-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Microbial or Vegetarian |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
