Bushra Griffith
Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands, specifically in the town of Edam in North Holland. It is easily identifiable due to its distinctive shape and red wax coating. This cheese is a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cooking. It is available from various retailers, including MSU Cheese, iGourmet, Keystone Farms Cheese, and GourmetDash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-hard cheese |
| Origin | Netherlands |
| Named After | Town of Edam in North Holland |
| Colour | Pale Yellow |
| Texture | Smooth, firm, creamy |
| Taste | Mild, salty, nutty, buttery, sweet |
| Pairing | Fruits like apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, grapes, cured meats, olives |
| Use Cases | Snacking, cooking, sandwiches, burgers, salads, casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches |
| Availability | In-store, online |
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What You'll Learn
Online from specialist cheese retailers
If you're looking to buy Edam cheese online from a specialist cheese retailer, there are several options available. For example, you can try:
MSU Cheese
MSU Cheese offers Edam cheese with a pale yellow colour and a savoury and mellow taste. They currently have physical stores open on weekdays, but you can also follow their social media accounts to stay updated on their online shopping options.
IGourmet
IGourmet offers Dutch Edam Cheese, but the website does not provide much detail about the specific product.
Keystone Farms Cheese
Keystone Farms Cheese offers aged Edam cheese, which is hand-cut. They provide detailed information about the cheese's origin, taste, and potential food pairings. Keystone Farms Cheese has specific shipping policies due to the perishable nature of their products, so be sure to review their shipping information before placing an order.
Gourmet Dash
Gourmet Dash offers Van Kaas Edam Cheese, which is described as a young gouda-type cheese with a very mild taste. It is suggested for cheese and crackers or melting over everyday dishes.
When purchasing Edam cheese online, be sure to review the product details, shipping policies, and customer satisfaction policies offered by each retailer to ensure you're getting the product you desire.
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In-store at specialist cheese shops
If you're looking to buy Edam cheese in person, your best bet is to head to a specialist cheese shop. These stores are dedicated to all things cheese, and their knowledgeable staff can guide you in the right direction.
Specialist cheese shops often offer a wide variety of cheeses, including many different types of Edam. You'll be able to find young, mild, and buttery Edam, perfect for slicing and enjoying on its own or melting over dishes for a creamy twist. They may also stock aged Edam, which has a sharper, more complex flavour with nutty notes and a drier texture, ideal for grating over salads or sandwiches.
In-store, you can inspect the cheese's distinctive shape and red wax coating, which makes Edam one of the most easily identifiable cheeses. You can also ask the staff about the cheese's origin, as Edam has a rich cultural history in the Netherlands, named after the town of Edam in North Holland, where it has been a staple since the 15th century.
For example, MSU Cheese, based in Mississippi, offers an in-store shopping experience where you can explore their selection of cheeses, including Edam, which they produce using fresh milk from their own dairy herds. Keystone Farms Cheese is another example of a specialist cheese shop, offering hand-cut aged Edam cheese with unique weight variations.
By visiting a specialist cheese shop, you'll be able to see, smell, and taste the cheese in person, ensuring you find the perfect Edam to suit your preferences.
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In the Netherlands
Edam cheese is named after the town of Edam in the province of North Holland, in the Netherlands. The town has been famous for its cheese since the 17th century, and the cheese itself dates back to the 14th century when local farmers developed unique cheese-making techniques. The town of Edam was once one of the most important trading cities in the Netherlands, and its cheese became a significant export commodity.
The cheese is known for its distinctive round shape and mild flavour. It is usually sold in medium sizes, with a diameter of around 10-20 centimeters, and is often coated in red or yellow wax or plastic. The colour of the cheese ranges from pale yellow to bright yellow, darkening slightly as it ages.
If you are visiting the Netherlands and want to try some Edam cheese, the town of Edam is the perfect place to start. The famous Edam Cheese Market takes place annually in July and August, and there you can sample cheeses from various vendors. Outside of the market, there are also cheese shops and museums to visit. To get to Edam, you can take bus 314 from Amsterdam Centraal Station to the Edam Bus Station.
If you are unable to visit Edam in person, you can also purchase Edam cheese online from retailers such as the Gouda Cheese Shop, which offers worldwide shipping.
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Mississippi State University
The production of MSU Edam cheese began with a rush order of 10 teakwood hoops, or moulds, from Dutch manufacturers in 1938, just before the outbreak of World War II. During and after the war years, the small number of hoops limited output to a few hundred balls per year. By 1963, production had increased significantly, with improved methods of ageing, pressing, and salting the cheese. The technique of dipping the Edams in bright red wax to minimise surface mould growth and enhance their appearance was also perfected during this time.
In 1970, the cheese-making operation moved to the new Herzer Dairy Science Facility, allowing for a significant increase in production capacity. Today, Mississippi State University produces approximately 50,000 Mississippi State Edam cheese balls each year, with the help of a dedicated team of full-time employees, food science students, and researchers. The cheese-making process includes placing the cheese in a salt brine bath before waxing and ageing for three months.
The MSU Edam cheese has become a beloved symbol of the university and a popular holiday treat. It is known for its distinctive red wax coating and the Mississippi State seal, which is proudly displayed on each cheese ball. The university's cheese story extends beyond Edam, with the Bearden Dairy Research Center and the Custer Dairy Processing Plant producing a variety of dairy products, including butter, milk, and ice cream, in addition to their renowned Edam cheese.
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Supermarkets
Edam cheese, a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands, can commonly be found in supermarkets. While the availability of Edam cheese may vary by region and supermarket chain, here are some general places to check:
Dairy or Cheese Section
The dairy or cheese section of the supermarket is the first place to look. Edam cheese is usually displayed alongside other specialty or international cheeses. Look for the distinctive red wax coating and flattened spherical shape characteristic of Edam cheese.
Specialty Cheese Counter
Some supermarkets have a dedicated cheese counter or a specialty food section. This is often the case in larger supermarkets or those that cater to a diverse customer base. Here, you may find a wider variety of cheeses, including Edam, and you can also consult the staff for assistance or recommendations.
Gourmet or International Food Aisles
If the supermarket has a separate section for gourmet or international foods, it's worth checking there. Sometimes, specialty items like Edam cheese are grouped together with other imported or gourmet products. Look for Dutch or Netherlands-themed sections, as Edam cheese originates from the Netherlands.
Online Shopping
Many supermarkets offer online shopping and delivery or pickup services. You can check their websites or apps to see if Edam cheese is available for purchase. This option may provide a broader selection, especially if your local store has limited cheese options.
Product Requests
If you cannot find Edam cheese at your local supermarket, consider asking a staff member if they can order it for you. Some stores may be willing to accommodate special requests, especially if they regularly stock other specialty cheeses. They may be able to provide information on availability or suggest similar alternatives.
While availability may vary, checking these sections in your local supermarkets increases your chances of finding Edam cheese. Remember that you can always inquire about product availability or make special requests to increase your chances of success.
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Frequently asked questions
Edam cheese is a staple in the town of Edam in North Holland, where it originated and has been produced since the 15th century. You can likely purchase it from local cheese shops or markets in this region.
There are various online retailers based in the US, such as MSU Cheese and Keystone Farms Cheese, that offer Edam cheese. You can also try local specialty cheese shops or gourmet grocers near you.
Several online retailers, such as iGourmet and GourmetDash, offer Edam cheese for purchase and delivery. You can also check the websites of MSU Cheese and Keystone Farms Cheese for online ordering options.
