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Edam is a mild, semisoft Dutch cheese similar to Gouda. It is manufactured from part-skim pasteurized milk, in 2- and 4-pound (0.9 to 1.8 kg) balls coated with bright red wax. Edam was originally produced only as a part of the extensive cheese-making industry of Holland. Its flavor is characterized as slightly salty and tangy, and it is smooth and filling.
Edam is available is small portions, and also in 5 or 6 pound (2.25 to 2.7 kg) loaves; like the smaller cheeses, these are also coated with bright red paraffin to preserve freshness. Edam is now being produced on a relatively large scale in America, primarily in New York state and Wisconsin, and the U.S. variety tends to be quite similar to the cheese manufactured in Holland. Variations of Edam are produced in Germany, Finland, Spain, Portugal (there it’s called “flamengo”), and South America.
French Edam
A French version of Edam, called “mimolette,” may be ripened for 6, 12, or 18 months. Notable varieties are produced in Normandy, the finest being those aged 12 to 18 months.
Dutch Edam
When the cheese has a black wax coating, it indicates that it was aged for at least 17 weeks. Some varieties are aged for as long as 10 months; the longer aging produces a flavorful cheese considered excellent for cooking.
American Edam
In addition to the Edam cheese produced by bulk manufacturers, many other variations are now being made by small, artisan producers.
Edam is widely available, but aged or specialty versions are harder to find; look for them in specialty stores or on the Internet.
Edam is a table cheese that is enjoyable at breakfast and in sandwiches; it’s also a good grilling cheese, and can be substituted whenever a mild cheddar is called for.
Edam cheese, 1 oz. (28g)
Calories: 101
Protein: 7.1g
Carbohydrate: 0.405g
Total Fat: 7.9g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (207mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.