Gouda and Edam are easily the two most popular cheeses in the Netherlands. While they do have some similarities, they are far from being the same. Read on to learn about the differences between these two iconic Dutch cheeses.
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 is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
