Edam Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Edam Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Taleggio 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.
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.
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. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Edam is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #56 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Edam Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
Rind | Smooth, waxed | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Aroma | Not Specified | Herbaceous, aromatic |
Colors | Red | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
Forms | Round | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
Age | 3 months to longer | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.