Red Leicester Cheese vs Edam Cheese

Red Leicester Cheese

Edam Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Red Leicester Cheese and Edam Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Red Leicester Cheese and Edam Cheese?"
  • "Is Red Leicester Cheese and Edam Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Red Leicester Cheese compare to Edam Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Red Leicester Cheese compare to Edam Cheese?"
  • "Is Red Leicester Cheese or Edam Cheese better?"

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #71 out of 377 types.

Edam is ranked #15 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Edam Cheese originated from Netherlands.

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of medium. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly". Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline".

Flavor and Aroma

Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Red Leicester Cheese's appearance is colored reddish-orange , is available in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and is aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial . Edam Cheese has a color of red , comes in round and has an aging period of 3 months to longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Red Leicester Cheese Edam Cheese
Country of Origin United Kingdom Netherlands
Specific Origin Leicestershire North of Holland
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's Milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) Mostly pasteurized
Fat Content High
Moisture Content Medium
Rind Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) Smooth, waxed
Texture Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly Rubber-textured to crystalline
Flavor Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery
Aroma Mild
Colors Reddish-orange Red
Forms Traditional cylindrical, industrial block Round
Age 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial 3 months to longer
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

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