Gouda and Edam are two of the most well-known cheeses to come out of the Netherlands.
Both have a rich Dutch heritage and are popular around the world, but they also have distinct differences that set them apart.
History and Origin
Where Gouda Cheese Comes From
Gouda cheese gets its name from the city in the Netherlands where it originated. With history stretching back to the 12th century, Gouda is one of the oldest named cheeses in the world. The cheese gets crafted by curdling milk and then pressing the curds into round molds. During the aging process, which can last from just a few weeks to several years, Gouda’s flavor and texture develops more robustness.
Common visual markers of Gouda include:
- A pale yellow to golden color
- Smooth, firm texture with occasional small holes
- Natural rind ranging from yellow to brown
In terms of flavor, Gouda offers a profile described as nutty, buttery, and slightly sweet, sometimes with hints of caramel and fruitiness. All of this makes Gouda a versatile cheese for eating as-is or incorporating into recipes.
The Town of Edam Gives Name to Edam Cheese
Hailing from North Amsterdam in the Edam region, Edam cheese borrows its name from its geographic origin. Cheese makers in the Netherlands have produced Edam for a long period, crafting it by curdling milk and pressing the curds into molds like with Gouda. Unlike Gouda though, Edam usually only ages for 4-6 weeks instead of several months or years.
Here’s what to expect when you see Edam cheese:
- Firm yet supple texture
- Pale yellow interior
- Signature red or yellow wax coating on the rind
In terms of taste, Edam offers a mild and slightly salty flavor in its younger versions. As Edam ages more, the flavor develops richer, nutty notes. The smooth texture combined with its subtle sweet-sour taste has made Edam popular for snacking or in recipes.
Key Takeaway: Gouda cheese takes its name from Dutch city, while Edam cheese got its name from North Amsterdam region. Both crafted traditionally by Dutch cheesemakers.
How Gouda and Edam Get Made
To understand what accounts for the differing personalities between Gouda and Edam, it helps to take a look at how cheesemakers produce each type.
Transforming Milk into Gouda Cheese
The starting ingredient for making Gouda cheese is high quality cow’s milk. Cheesemakers begin by heating the milk and mixing in bacterial starter cultures to kick off fermentation. They then add rennet to coagulate the milk into solid curds, which get cut up and stirred to expel whey.
Next, cheesemakers place the curds into molds to give shape to the Gouda. They soak the molded curds in brine, which draws out more moisture and develops flavor. Finally, the cheese wheels undergo careful aging from a few weeks to a couple years. Extended aging concentrates flavors and firms up Gouda’s texture.
How Edam Cheese Comes into Being
Edam cheese originates from cow’s milk as well. Cheese makers add starter cultures to get fermentation going, eventually adding rennet to transform the milk into curds and whey. Once they drain the excess whey and get the curds, cheesemakers place them into round molds to achieve Edam’s distinctive shape.
Edam does not get washed in brine. This affects its moisture content and results in Edam having a milder flavor. Edam also only ages for around 4-6 weeks instead of months or years like Gouda does. This shorter aging duration contributes to Edam being not as firm in texture or intense tasting compared to aged Gouda.
Key Takeaway: While both use cow’s milk as starting ingredient, Gouda gets soaked in brine and aged longer resulting in more robust flavor and firmer texture than Edam.
| Cheese | Made From | Soaked in Brine? | Age Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gouda | Cow's milk | Yes | Weeks to years |
| Edam | Cow's milk | No | 4-6 weeks |
Comparing Appearance and Texture
Visually and texturally, Gouda and Edam differ due to variations in their production process and aging time.
Inside and Out: Gouda Characteristics
On the outside, Gouda wheels sport a natural rind ranging in shade from yellow to brown. The coloration depends on the duration of aging. Inside reveals Gouda’s pale yellow to golden paste, sometimes dotted with small holes or uneven “eyes”.
As for texture, young, freshly made Gouda starts out creamy and supple. In aged Gouda that’s often sliced or grated, the texture intensifies with a harder consistency and sometimes crystallization. This flavor and sturdiness comes from extended aging.
Smooth and Waxy: Qualities of Edam Cheese
Edam cheese continues to carry a mostly pale yellow interior even with aging. Unlike the brownish tones that aging lends to Gouda rinds, Edam cheeses get their trademark red or yellow wax coating applied early on. This wax finish helps the cheese retain moisture and prevent mold growth during aging.
In terms of texture, Edam cheese comes across as smooth and firm but still sliceable. You can also find supple variations. The wax coating and its shorter aging duration means you won’t see the extensive crystallization in aged Edams as you would in very mature Gouda.
Key Takeaway: Gouda shows greater color and textural changes during aging while smooth Edam retains more constant characteristics with wax coating and milder aging conditions.
Flavor Profiles: Gouda vs. Edam Cheese Taste
A longer aging duration in Gouda means a more pronounced developed flavor versus relatively mild Edam.
Deep, Rich Tones in Aged Gouda Cheese
The longer a Gouda wheel ages, the deeper its flavors become. Young Gouda stars off with a creamy and butteryness. As Gouda matures over months to years, the flavor profile starts revealing much more caramelized, nutty, and even fruity notes. The aroma also grows more robust in aged Gouda.
Subtly Sweet and Slightly Sour Edam
Because Edam cheeses tend to age for a shorter 4-6 weeks instead of months or years, their flavor stays more constant. Young Edam offers a mildly salty and subtly sweet flavor. With a bit more aging, the sweetness becomes more pronounced and joins up with light nuttiness. But overall, Edam brings a much milder flavor experience than extensively matured Gouda.
Key Takeaway: The lengthy aging process Gouda goes through allows for a richer, more complex flavor than milder-tasting Edam.
Comparing How Gouda and Edam Cheese Mature
Much of the textural and flavor differences between Gouda and Edam comes down to their aging duration and conditions.
Extensive Aging Transforms Gouda Cheese
Gouda’s lengthy aging duration, ranging from several months to years, allows more profound changes to happen. Over weeks and months, Gouda’s color darkens from pale yellow to deep gold. Simultaneously, the texture firms up significantly while the flavor strengthens into a nutty, caramel-like profile.
Careful monitoring of temperature and humidity levels during aging require skill but result in Gouda’s development into a more intense flavored and durable cheese. This makes it perfect for grating or eating with fruits and wines.
Maturing Process Retains Edam’s Freshness
In contrast with Gouda, Edam cheese ages for a relatively brief 4 to 6 weeks. This results in less drastic changes during maturation. The pale yellow interior and smooth texture remains largely consistent in Edam.
Most aging simply allows Edam to lose moisture and solidify slightly for good sliceability. This mild aging also means Edam retains fresher, brighter notes. The red or yellow wax helps prevent excessive drying too.
Key Takeaway: Quick 4-6 week aging period of Edam preserves much of its freshness and consistency versus lengthy aging process that transforms Gouda’s durability and flavor.
Nutrition Content: How Healthy is Gouda and Edam Cheese?
While both deliver tasty flavor to meals or snacks, what about nutrition? Here's a look at the health aspects of Gouda and Edam cheese.
Health Benefits Found in Gouda
Gouda cheese delivers several nutritional positives:
- Good source of protein for building muscle mass
- High in calcium for maintaining bone density
- Vitamin K2 aids absorption of bone-strengthening calcium
- Source of vitamin B12 for healthy nerves and red blood cell activity
- Contains some CLA, a fatty acid linked to anti-inflammatory benefits
Saturated fat content can be high in some Gouda, so moderately is advised. But overall, Gouda can fit into a balanced diet.
Nutrition Composition of Edam Cheese
For its part, Edam cheese contributes:
- Protein for tissue repair and growth
- Calcium & phosphorus helps strengthen bones and teeth
- Vitamin B12 supports nerve function and red blood cells
- Vitamin A plays role in immune defenses and vision
- Omega-3 fatty acids maintain cognitive function and heart health
Additionally, since Edam often gets crafted from partly skimmed milk, the fat content stays moderate. So if limiting fat intake, Edam may suit dietary needs better.
Key Takeaway: While both Gouda and Edam offer protein and bone-supporting nutrients like calcium, Edam contains less fat calories per ounce.
Best Uses for Gouda vs. Edam in Recipes
Based on their differing characteristics, Gouda and Edam each shine in certain culinary applications.
Cooking Uses for Gouda Cheese
Gouda’s rich, buttery flavor serves as excellent seasoning grated over pasta, soups, and salad. Thanks to its melty texture, Gouda also makes a perfect sandwich cheese or decadent addition to casseroles like macaroni and cheese.
For dessert, try incorporating Gouda into cheesecakes or serve cubes with fruit and sweet wine. Smoked Gouda also provides delicious flavor popped straight as a snack.
Edam Cheese in the Kitchen
Edam works great in grilled sandwiches or other melted preparations thanks to its creamy consistency. Being easy to slice, Edam comes in handy making charcuterie platters to enjoy with crackers and cured meats.
In salads, its mildness lets other ingredients like greens and vinaigrettes shine. Edam also pairs nicely with both sweet and savory accents, from fresh berries to pickles to spiced nuts. For an easy appetizer, cube Edam and skewer with fruit.
Pairings: Complementary Flavors for Gouda and Edam
Beyond basic preparations, what ingredients taste best alongside Gouda or Edam?
Natural Partners for Gouda
The caramelized nuttiness of aged Gouda pairs beautifully with cured meats, salami, Prosciutto, etc. For additional contrast, serve Gouda with fresh or dried fruits like apples and figs. Other pleasing sweet contrasts include drizzles of honey or jams.
Crunchy nuts or seedy crackers also balance out Gouda’s rich smoothness nicely on a cheese plate. In terms of beverages, opt for Pinot Gris white wine or a Rosé wine pairing.
Edam’s Best Accompaniments
Edam’s subtle sweetness finds a tasty counterpoint with smoky, salty cured meats like bacon or prosciutto. For fruit pairings, try fresh strawberries or dried apricots with Edam. Another suggestion is to drizzle Edam with boldly flavored balsamic glaze or sprinkle lightly toasted nuts on top for some crunch.
Give Edam more dimension by serving with crusty whole grain bread or crackers. A white Riesling wine makes a nice beverage partner too.
Varieties and Flavored Options
Beyond the plain version, Gouda and Edam also come in a diverse array of flavored varieties.
Popular Styles of Gouda Cheese
Young or mild Gouda gets only brief aging so retains a creamy, buttery character. On the other end, extensively aged Gouda develops a complex nutty and caramelized profile enjoyed by cheese connoisseurs.
Another style, Smoked Gouda, gets lightly toasted via smoked wood chips for a signature sweet-smoky flavor. Newer varieties may contain spices, herbs, fruits, or nuts mixed into the curds too before pressing.
Finding Novel Twists on Edam Cheese
Traditional Edam comes with signature flattened round shape and red paraffin wax coating, but now you can also find rounds encased in yellow or black wax. While most Edam still comes crafted from cow’s milk, you can also hunt down goat or sheep milk versions for a flavor twist.
Mix-ins like spices, herbs, and infused olive oils can provide flavor accents to Edam curds too before the cheese gets pressed into rounds. So get creative and try seasoning or mixing inclusions into Edam cheese for homemade variations!
Both Gouda and Edam offer plenty of options for customized flavor experiences through different aging levels or extra mix-ins.
Availability: Ease of Finding Gouda and Edam Cheese
Thanks to popularity as both everyday and gourmet cheeses, Gouda and Edam cheese come conveniently available.
Where to Buy Gouda Cheese
The good news for Gouda fans is that as one of the most popular cheeses in the world, nearly any decent grocery store stocks it. Specialty cheese shops offer artisanal Dutch imports as well.
Online cheese purveyors also give access to coveted aged Goudas. Whether aiming to melt young Gouda for grilled sandwiches or serve complex aged Gouda solo, you’ll have no shortage of sourcing options nearby or online.
Getting Your Hands on Edam Cheese
While less ubiquitous globally than Gouda, Edam still enjoys plenty of visibility. Most supermarkets should stock versions of Edam thanks to its accessibility and moderate pricing.
Searching out farmstead versions with artisanal aging or maritime wax coatings might take a bit more sleuthing. But overall, Edam’s flexibility for cooking or snacking keeps it a staple for retailers.
Cultural Significance: Gouda and Edam Traditions
Beyond just their commercial popularity, Gouda and Edam hold deeper meaning in Dutch heritage.
Gouda Cheese in Dutch Culture
As a namesake ambassador of the Dutch city Gouda, this cheese carries special cultural significance. Historical Dutch markets centered around the Gouda cheese trade, which showcased exceptional cheese-making craft.
In traditional cuisine, Gouda makes frequent appearances in dishes like soufflés, macaroni and toasties. Both young mild versions and aged Goudas find use across sweet and hearty Dutch foods.
Abroad, Gouda transcended its homeland borders to become one of the most recognized Dutch exports globally. This proves its smooth texture and agreeable buttery sweetness appeals across cultures.
Significance of Edam Cheese to the Dutch
While maybe not as famous as Gouda, Edam still holds notable historical value. Its round shape and wax coating made Edam easily stackable for transporting aboard ships headed to trade centers across Europe and abroad. So wheels of Edam once operated almost as currency.
Today, Edam remains an iconic facet of Dutch culinary tradition. Savoring cubes or slices of Edam with fruit and crackers acts as a customary way to finish meals. Edam also frequently incorporated into hearty Dutch sandwiches or pancakes.
So beyond economic aspects, both Gouda and Edam represent prime ambassadors of refined Dutch dairy and cheese making on the global culinary stage.
FAQs
Is it okay to eat the red wax on Edam cheese?
The wax coating on Edam serves as protection to prevent molding and drying out. But it wasn't designed for eating. Best to peel away the wax rind before consuming the cheese.
What wine pairs best with aged Gouda cheese?
The sweet nuttiness of caramel-y aged Gouda makes a pleasing flavor partner for Pinot Gris white wine. For red wine, try a fruit-driven Grenache.
Can I substitute Edam for Gouda cheese in a recipe?
thanks to similar textures, you can substitute melty Edam for Gouda in casseroles or sandwiches without issue. But expect a milder flavor from Edam.
Is Gouda or Edam cheese better for grilled cheese sandwiches?
Gouda's higher fat content makes it melt more smoothly. But Edam can work well too since it softens easily. So both make solid melted sandwich cheese options.
Conclusion
Both cheeses offer delightful eating and cooking properties.
But their differences in aging duration, texture change, moisture levels, and ultimate flavor intensities means preferences between Gouda and Edam can vary hugely.