Edam is a type of cheese that originated in the Netherlands and is similar to Gouda, another Dutch cheese. Both are made from cow’s milk and are named after the towns where they originated, though Edam cheese is made from park-skim milk and has a slightly sharper and tangier flavor than Gouda. Edam is widely available throughout the world, with some countries producing their own versions, which some experts believe are inferior in taste and quality. Edam is typically a young cheese that has only been aged for a few months, but some aged varieties have a sharper, more intense flavor. A cheese shop or deli with knowledgeable and helpful staff may be the best place to sample and purchase Edam cheese for those who are serious about making the best decision.
Learning as much as possible about how Edam cheese is made is one of the best ways to choose a high-quality Edam cheese. The cheese was invented in the Dutch town of Edam, in the northwestern part of the country, but it has since spread throughout the country and even to other parts of the world. In the 1960s, many companies automated Edam production, which some believe lowered the cheese’s quality. However, there are still some Dutch cheesemakers advertising gourmet-quality cheese that has the same depth of flavor as the original. The milk used to make it is said to come from cows that graze in damp polders, which are unique to the Netherlands and give the cheese its distinct flavor.
The majority of Edam cheese sold in the United States is young, has a mild, slightly salty, and nutty flavor, and is dipped in a thick layer of red paraffin wax to help it last longer. Some people dislike wax-dipped varieties because they appear to be overly processed, and instead prefer the type sold in Europe, which has a more natural appearance. Others may prefer the bright red color because of its eye-catching appearance and the visual interest it can add to a cheese platter.
Edam cheese, like many other cheeses, changes in flavor and texture with age, so picking the best variety may come down to personal preference. The majority of Edam cheese is fresh, having only been aged for a few months, and has a mild, slightly salty, and nutty flavor. This cheese’s texture lends itself well to melting. The older the cheese gets, the harder it gets and the more intense the flavor becomes. Those who prefer a sharp cheese should look for Edam that has been aged.