Patrick Oconnell
Edam cheese is made backwards. It's a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands and is named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland. When Edam ages, it doesn't spoil, it only hardens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Edam |
| Hardness | Semi-hard |
| Origin | Netherlands |
| Named after | Town of Edam in North Holland |
| Ageing | Hardens, does not spoil |
| Major producer | Friesland Campina company in Marum |
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What You'll Learn
Edam is a semi-hard cheese
The cheese has a mild, nutty flavour and a smooth, firm texture that becomes crumblier as it ages. It is suitable for both snacking and cooking, and pairs well with fruits like apples and pears, as well as savoury items like cured meats and olives. In the Czech Republic, it is often used as the base for the snack smažený sýr ("fried cheese"), which is also popular in neighbouring Slovakia. In Belize, it is commonly eaten with bread and coffee.
Edam is made using a special method adapted by the Dutch, likely due to their living in the pastoral lowlands of the Netherlands. The choice of vessels to make the cheese was wood and not metal because iron, copper, and other metals were not locally convenient for cheese-making.
When young, Edam tends to be slightly harder due to the lower fat content of the milk. Most young Edam sold in stores has a very mild flavour, slightly salty or nutty, and almost no smell when compared to other cheeses. As it ages, its flavour sharpens, and it continues to become firmer.
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Edam is named after a town in North Holland
Edam is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. It is named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland. When Edam ages, it does not spoil but hardens. The Friesland Campina company in Marum is a major producer of Edam and is well known for producing only quality products.
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Edam does not spoil, it hardens
Edam is the kind of cheese that is made backwards. It is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands and was named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland. Edam is made from cow's milk and has a pale yellow colour. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed as a snack or used in cooking. It pairs well with fruits like apples and pears, as well as savoury items like cured meats and olives.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Edam is its shape - a flattened or spherical shape with a slight bulge in the middle. It is often coated in red wax, which makes it easily identifiable. When young, Edam tends to be slightly harder due to the lower fat content of the milk and has a very mild, slightly salty or nutty flavour. As Edam ages, its flavour sharpens and it continues to become firmer. However, Edam does not spoil, it only hardens. This is why it is a popular cheese in the Czech Republic, where it is usually sold under the name eidam and is often used as the base for the snack smažený sýr ("fried cheese"). In Belize, Edam is also commonly eaten when well-aged and sharp, usually with bread and coffee.
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Edam is made by the Friesland Campina company in Marum
Edam is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands and was named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland. When Edam ages, it does not spoil but hardens. The Friesland Campina company in Marum is a major producer of Edam and is well known for producing only quality products.
Edam is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavour. It is often used as a snack or in sandwiches and salads. The cheese has a distinctive red or yellow rind and a pale yellow interior.
The process of making Edam begins with pasteurised milk, which is then inoculated with bacteria and rennet to form a curd. The curd is then cut, stirred, and heated before being placed in a mould to form the cheese's characteristic shape. The cheese is then brined and aged for several weeks to develop its flavour and texture.
Friesland Campina is one of the largest dairy companies in the world and has a long history of cheese production. The company uses traditional methods and recipes to create its Edam cheese, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.
The town of Marum, where the cheese is produced, is located in the northern part of the Netherlands. The region is known for its dairy farming and cheese production, with many small and large-scale cheese makers operating in the area.
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Edam is a popular cheese
Edam is often used in cooking, particularly in dishes that require a cheese with a strong flavour, such as pizza or pasta. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as part of a cheese board. The unique flavour of Edam is often described as slightly nutty, with a hint of sweetness. This makes it a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of different foods and drinks.
The production of Edam cheese has a long and interesting history. It is believed that the cheese was first created in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. At this time, the town of Edam was a major hub for cheese production and trade. The cheese was originally made with milk from cows that grazed on the rich, grassy meadows surrounding the town. Today, Edam cheese is produced all over the world, but the traditional Dutch method of production is still used in many places.
Edam cheese has a distinctive appearance, with a pale yellow colour and a smooth, waxed rind. The cheese is usually formed into a round, wheel-like shape, although it can also be found in blocks or slices. The waxed rind helps to preserve the cheese and keep it fresh, making it a popular choice for export and long-distance trade. Today, Edam cheese can be found in supermarkets and specialty cheese shops all over the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Edam.
Edam is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. When it ages, it hardens but does not spoil.
'What cheese is made backwards?'
