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What is Edam cheese?

Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from cow’s milk. Its origins date back to the town of Edam in North Holland, where it was first produced in the 12th century.

Known for its pale-yellow paste and characteristic round shape, Edam cheese has a mild, slightly salty taste. It’s versatile, suitable for slicing, grating or melting, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, snacks, and cooking.

Nutrition fact sheet

Nutritional review for Edam

Eating healthy plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall well-being and preventing chronic diseases. A balanced and nutritious diet provides our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, fuelling optimal physical and cognitive function.

With this in mind, let’s delve into the nutritional profile of Edam cheese.

Sample cheeses used

The majority of nutrient data were derived from a composite of 6 samples of Australian Edam (including Mainland, Bodalla, South Cape and Bega) and 2 samples of Dutch Edam (commercial brands) purchased in Sydney, Australia.

Calorie count

With approximately 359 calories per 100 grams, Edam cheese provides a moderate energy contribution. However, it’s essential to note that calorie count alone does not determine a food’s healthiness.

It’s the overall nutritional composition and portion size that matter most.

Fat content

Edam cheese is rich in fat, with a total fat content of 27.2 grams per 100 grams, of which 17.2 grams are saturated fat.

Saturated fats are known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. However, Edam also contains unsaturated fats, which, when consumed in moderation, can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

You can learn more about the different types of fat in cheese and which cheeses have the lowest fat content here.

Protein content

Moreover, Edam boasts a high protein content of 27.4 grams per 100 grams. The protein in Edam is predominantly casein providing essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions.

Protein is vital for muscle repair, immune function and satiety, making Edam cheese a valuable protein source.

Want to find out which cheeses have the highest protein content? Click here for our blog post covering cheeses with the highest protein content.

Cholesterol content

Next, Edam cheese contains approximately 78 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams.

Contrary to previous beliefs, dietary cholesterol from foods like cheese has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. However, individuals with specific health conditions may need to monitor their cholesterol intake.

You can learn more about the impact of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels in our dedicated post here.

Salt content

Furthermore, Edam cheese is relatively high in salt, with around 900 milligrams per 100 grams. The saltiness in Edam cheese enhances its flavour and acts as a preservative.

However, excessive salt intake is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. People with hypertension or at risk of heart disease should moderate their consumption of high-salt foods like Edam cheese.

You can read more about why salt is important in cheesemaking in our comprehensive post here.

Calcium content

On the other hand, Edam is an excellent source of calcium, providing approximately 810 milligrams per 100 grams.

Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, muscle function and nerve transmission. Incorporating calcium-rich foods like Edam cheese into your diet can help meet daily calcium requirements.

You can read more about this important mineral and find out which types of cheeses have the highest calcium content in our post here.

Other vitamins & minerals

Edam cheese is also high in vitamins such as retinol (vitamin A), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3), as well as minerals like iodine and phosphorus.

These nutrients play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including vision, energy metabolism and thyroid function.

Safety in pregnancy

Edam cheese is generally safe to consume during pregnancy, even when made with unpasteurised milk. Its low moisture content and production processes reduce the risk of Listeria contamination, making it a suitable choice for pregnant women.

Of course, if you’re unsure of what you can eat during pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional to get a personalised plan. You can read more about which cheeses you can eat when you’re pregnant by clicking here.

Lactose intolerance

Finally, Edam cheese is virtually lactose-free, making it suitable for cheese lovers with lactose intolerance.

Having said that, lactose intolerance varies among individuals, and some may tolerate small amounts of lactose better than others. It’s advisable for those with lactose intolerance to monitor their tolerance levels and consume all dairy products cautiously.

Find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about which types of cheeses are lactose free by clicking here.

Conclusion

Edam cheese offers not only a delightful taste experience but also a range of essential nutrients beneficial for overall health. While it’s rich in protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals, moderation is key, especially considering its fat, salt and calorie content.

By understanding the nutrition facts of Edam cheese, you can make informed choices to incorporate it into a balanced diet. And hence reap its nutritional benefits without compromising your health.

References

Overall nutritional content

The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages. 

Fat content

Our fat RDI data comes from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Fat Intake resource.  

Type of fat in cheese as per Harvard T.H. Chan’s The Nutrition Source.  

Protein content

Our protein RDI data comes from Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing. 

Cholesterol content

Is There a Correlation between Dietary and Blood Cholesterol? Evidence from Epidemiological Data and Clinical Interventions? – Maria Luz Fernandez and Ana Gabriela Murillo 

Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease – Patty W Siri-Tarino, Qi Sun, Frank B Hu and Ronald M Krauss  

Effect of cheese consumption on blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – Janette de Goede, Johanna M Geleijnse, Eric L Ding, Sabita S Soedamah-Muthu 

Safety in pregnancy

All the advice relating to what cheeses you can eat during pregnancy in this article is based on the recommendations by health authorities in Australia, the UK and the USA. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot eat, please consult your doctor. 

Australia – FSANZ, United Kingdom – NHS and United Sates of America – FDA 

Lactose content

Lactose residual content in PDO cheeses 

Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content 

The analysis of lactose in milk and cheese products by HPLC 

Food Standards ANZ Food Composition Database 

USDA Food Data Central 

Lactose & Galactose content of cheese 

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Edam Cheese Nutrition Facts (Is Edam Good For Your Health?) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

Where do Gouda & Edam come from?

Edam and Gouda are easily the two most famous cheeses that originate from the Netherlands. They both have a hard texture and are made with cow’s milk. But that is where the similarities end!

For starters, they originate from different parts of the country. Edam was first made in the region of Edam, North of Amsterdam. On the other hand, Gouda comes from the area surrounding the town of Gouda, Southwest of Amsterdam. 

Gouda vs Edam: Production

Furthermore, their production is significantly different. While Edam is made with partially skimmed milk, Gouda is traditionally made with whole milk. As a result, Gouda has a higher fat content (48% vs 40%), has a slightly creamier texture and flows better when melted. From a flavour point of view, Edam tends to be a little bit sweeter/tarter.

On the other hand, Edam also has a slightly drier texture. Because of this, it is more easily sliced and is perfect for sandwiches and as a snack on-the-go. Since Gouda flows better when melted, it excels as a gourmet pizza topping. 

Texture: Eyes and crystals

While both Gouda and Edam can display the occasional eyes in their paste, Gouda is a lot more likely to develop cheese crystals. You can learn more about the fascinating process of crystal formation in our dedicated post here.

Where to find good Gouda & Edam

Artisanal farmhouse Edam is very hard to find outside of the Netherlands. Most of the commercially available forms of this cheese in Australia and the United States are sadly mass produced and often mild/bland with a signature red wax rind.

Thankfully, it is much easier to find a small batch, mind-blowingly good Gouda. Look for one with a natural rind and you will be rewarded with levels of complexity in the flavour and texture. 

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our post on the differences between Gouda and Edam. As you can see, the two most famous Dutch cheeses have a lot in common. But they also have some subtle differences. What’s your favourite Dutch cheese? Let me know in the comments below.

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Gouda vs Edam: Similarities & Differences (Dutch Cheeses) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.