Edam cheese facts for kids
Edam is a famous type of Dutch cheese. It gets its name from the town of Edam in the Netherlands, where it first came from. Edam cheese has a pale yellow color. You often see it sold in round shapes, covered in bright red paraffin wax. This wax helps keep the cheese fresh. However, Edam cheese sold inside the Netherlands usually doesn't have this red wax.
What is Edam Cheese Like?
Most Edam cheese you find in stores is "young" cheese. This means it has a very mild taste. It might be a little salty or nutty. Compared to other cheeses, young Edam has almost no strong smell.
As Edam cheese gets older, its flavor becomes stronger. It also gets firmer, meaning it's not as soft. Edam cheese has less fat than many other traditional cheeses. Because it has less fat, modern Edam cheese is softer than cheeses like Cheddar. However, it's not the best cheese for melting on toast.
How to Enjoy Edam Cheese
Mild Edam cheese tastes great with many fruits. Try it with peaches, melons, apricots, or cherries. Older Edam cheese is often eaten with classic "cheese fruits." These include pears and apples.
Like most cheeses, Edam is commonly eaten on crackers and bread. Sometimes, people eat cheese and crackers as a small dessert after a meal.
Where is Edam Cheese Popular?
Edam cheese is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is very popular in North America and the Nordic countries.
In the Maghreb region of North Africa, this cheese is often called "red cheese." This name comes from its bright red wax coating.
