Edam cheese is one of the famous Dutch cheeses known worldwide. This cheese has a round shape with a distinctive red wax coating. Besides its attractive appearance, the cheese is known for its smooth taste and not-too-hard texture.
Edam cheese is often a top choice in various dishes. Its good nutritional content makes it popular among many people. However, this cheese also has a long and interesting history worth exploring.
Let’s discuss further the uniqueness and benefits of Edam cheese. This article will help you understand why this cheese is worth trying.
History of Edam Cheese
Edam cheese originates from the city of Edam in the Northern Netherlands, specifically in the North Holland province. The history of this cheese can be traced back to the 14th century, when farmers around Edam city began developing unique cheese-making techniques. During that time, the rural areas of the Netherlands were famous for their high-quality cattle breeding, which became the primary raw material for cheese production.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Edam cheese became an important export commodity for the Netherlands. This cheese was very popular due to several advantages, including:
- Long shelf life
- Easy to transport on long journeys
- Light and pleasant taste
- Ability to withstand various weather conditions
Dutch sailors often carried Edam cheese on their maritime voyages, which helped spread the popularity of this cheese around the world.
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Characteristics of Edam Cheese
Taste
Edam cheese has a distinctive and unique flavor. In its young version, the cheese has a light, slightly salty, and neutral taste. As the cheese ages, the flavor becomes sharper and more complex, with a deeper savory touch. This flavor characteristic makes it suitable for various dishes, from snacks to main courses.
Texture
The texture of Edam cheese is quite distinctive. In young cheese, the texture is soft and easy to cut, almost like butter. As it ages, the cheese texture becomes harder and denser. Young Edam cheese usually has an elastic and flexible texture, while aged cheese will have a drier and more brittle texture.
Color
The color of Edam cheese is generally pale yellow to bright yellow. Its outer layer is often coated with red or yellow wax or plastic, which is a visual signature of this cheese. The older the cheese, the more its color tends to darken slightly and acquire a light brown nuance.
Shape
One of the most easily recognizable characteristics of Edam cheese is its round and flat shape. This cheese is usually made in medium sizes, with a diameter of around 10-20 centimeters. Its distinctive round shape makes it easily identifiable among various other cheese types.
Benefits of Edam Cheese
Edam cheese is not only delicious but also offers various health benefits:
1. High-Quality Protein Source
Edam cheese is rich in animal protein needed by the body to build and repair muscle tissue. Every 100 grams of cheese contains about 25 grams of high-quality protein.
Read More: Benefits of Protein for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers
2. Rich in Calcium
Like most cheeses, Edam is an excellent source of calcium. Calcium is important for bone and dental health and helps prevent osteoporosis.
3. Contains Vitamins and Minerals
This cheese contains various vitamins such as vitamins A and B12, and minerals like phosphorus and zinc, which are important for body metabolism.
4. Low in Lactose
For those with lactose sensitivity, fermented Edam cheese can be an easier-to-digest option.
Edam cheese is a perfect choice for those who want to taste a unique cheese with a distinctive flavor. Its soft texture and savory taste make it suitable for everyone.
Moreover, it offers good nutritional value and versatility in various dishes. If you’re a cheese lover, trying Edam cheese is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
