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.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

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