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 |