Distinctive Features of Edam
Edam cheese typically forms into spheres weighing about 1.7 kilograms. The interior paste boasts a pale yellow color that deepens slightly with age. A key characteristic is its smooth, firm texture with very few small holes.
The cheese has a semi-hard consistency that is pliable yet sliceable. Its low humidity content, usually around 40-45%, contributes to its excellent keeping qualities. The flavor profile is mild and savory with subtle salty and nutty notes.
How Edam is Typically Used
Edam cheese is incredibly versatile in the kitchen due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. Chefs often use it as a table cheese, in sandwiches, or melted into hot dishes. Its low melting point makes it ideal for fondues and grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Serve Edam as a snack with fruits, crackers, or cold cuts.
- Grate Edam over pasta dishes, casseroles, or soups.
- Cube Edam for salads or cheese platters.
- Melt Edam in sauces or on top of burgers.
- Enjoy Edam with a glass of light beer or white wine.
Nutrition Values and Using Edam in Diets
| Nutrient | Value per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 357 kcal |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.5 g |
| Calcium | 720 mg |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Edam cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein and calcium. These nutrients support muscle maintenance and bone health. The fat content is moderate, making Edam a good energy source.
Incorporate Edam cheese into a balanced diet by moderating portion sizes. Its rich flavor means a small amount can enhance a dish. People monitoring sodium intake should be mindful of Edam’s salt content.
Ingredients and Production Process of Edam
Traditional Edam cheese uses pasteurized or raw cow’s milk as its primary ingredient. Producers add bacterial starter cultures to acidify the milk. They also introduce rennet to coagulate the proteins and form curds.
The curds are cut into small pieces to release whey. Workers then heat and stir the curds gently. This process expels more moisture and firms up the cheese granules.
Next, the curds get pressed into spherical molds for several hours. This shaping step gives Edam its characteristic form. The cheese wheels are then brined in a saltwater solution to develop flavor and preserve them.
Finally, the cheeses age for a minimum of four weeks, though some age much longer. During aging, they develop a stronger flavor and firmer texture. The famous red wax coating gets applied to protect the cheese and reduce moisture loss.
Questions and Answers about Edam
How long does Edam cheese last?
Unopened Edam cheese lasts for several months when stored properly. Once opened, consume Edam within two weeks for optimal quality. Always check the best-before date on your Edam cheese.
Where can I buy authentic Edam cheese?
You can buy authentic Edam cheese at specialty cheese shops, large supermarkets, or online retailers. Look for the protected designation of origin label for Edam from the Netherlands. Imported Edam cheese offers the traditional taste.
Can I freeze Edam cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Edam cheese, but it may alter the texture slightly. Thaw frozen Edam slowly in the refrigerator. Use previously frozen Edam cheese primarily for cooking.
How should I cut Edam cheese?
Use a sharp knife to cut Edam cheese into wedges from the center outward. For smaller pieces, slice the wedges horizontally. Cutting Edam cheese properly ensures even portions.
What is the best way to eat Edam cheese?
The best way to eat Edam cheese is at room temperature to appreciate its full flavor. Pair Edam with apples, pears, or crusty bread. You can also melt Edam cheese in various hot dishes.
Does Edam cheese need refrigeration?
Yes, Edam cheese requires refrigeration after opening. Store Edam cheese in the vegetable drawer of your fridge. Keep Edam wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper to maintain freshness.
How do I store an opened wheel of Edam cheese?
Wrap the cut surface of your Edam cheese tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped Edam in an airtight container. This method prevents your Edam cheese from drying out.
Is Edam cheese suitable for cooking?
Edam cheese melts beautifully, making it excellent for cooking. Use Edam in gratins, sauces, or on pizza. The mild flavor of Edam cheese complements many ingredients without overpowering them.
What makes Edam cheese different from Gouda?
Edam cheese has a lower fat content and a firmer, drier texture than Gouda. The flavor of Edam is generally milder and saltier. Both Edam and Gouda are Dutch cheeses but possess distinct characteristics.
What is Edam cheese made from?
Edam cheese is primarily made from part-skimmed cow’s milk. This gives Edam its characteristic firm texture and mild taste. Traditional production methods are essential for authentic Edam cheese.
Cheese Varieties of Edam in Different Countries
Edam in the Netherlands
Authentic Dutch Edam cheese must meet strict production standards. It often carries a protected geographical indication status. The cheese ages for a minimum of four weeks but can mature for over a year.
Dutch Edam has a notably smooth and elastic texture. The flavor is subtly salty with a faint nuttiness. Producers use milk from cows grazing on Dutch polders, which influences the taste.
Edam in the United States
American-made Edam often has a higher moisture content than its Dutch counterpart. This results in a softer texture and a milder flavor profile. Many US producers use pasteurized milk for safety standards.
The cheese may be sold younger, with less aging time. It is widely available in supermarkets across the country. American Edam remains a popular choice for sandwiches and snacks.
Edam in Finland
Finnish Edam, known as ‘Edamjuusto’, is a staple in the local diet. It typically has a slightly higher fat content. The cheese is often consumed as a breakfast item with bread.
Production follows similar methods but may use local milk sources. The flavor is mild and creamy, appealing to Finnish tastes. It is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes.
Edam in Germany
German Edam is produced under the name ‘Edamer’. It closely resembles the Dutch original but might be slightly milder. German consumers often use it for baking and in salads.
The cheese is widely available in both waxed and unwaxed varieties. Aging periods can vary, influencing the final product’s firmness. It holds a firm place in the German cheese market.
Edam Around the World
Edam cheese enjoys global recognition, with production and consumption spanning many continents. The core characteristics of a mild, semi-hard cheese remain consistent worldwide. Local adaptations often involve slight variations in fat content, aging time, or the use of different milk sources. These changes allow Edam to cater to regional taste preferences while maintaining its identity.
Despite these adaptations, the spherical shape and wax coating are nearly universal hallmarks. The cheese’s excellent melting qualities and long shelf life contribute to its international success. Differences mainly arise from local dairy traditions and consumer demands, creating a family of related cheeses. This global presence makes Edam a truly international cheese.
Edam cheese continues to be a symbol of Dutch culinary heritage while adapting to modern global tastes. Its consistent quality and versatility ensure its place on cheese boards and in kitchens everywhere. Whether enjoyed in its homeland or abroad, Edam offers a reliable and delicious experience for all cheese enthusiasts.