What Are The Differences Between Gouda And Edam?

“Hey there! I’m hosting a cheese tasting party in a couple of weeks here in Seattle, USA, and I’m trying to choose between Gouda and Edam to include in my cheese board. What are the main differences between these two cheeses? I want to be able to explain a bit about them to my guests. Thanks!” – Patrick, Seattle, USA.

Hey Patrick, you’re putting together a cheese board for your party—how exciting! Gouda and Edam are two fantastic cheeses to consider, and they each bring their unique characteristics to the table. Let’s explore the differences between these two Dutch marvels in detail so you can impress your guests at your tasting party.

Origins and History

Gouda is named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. While the cheese itself wasn’t necessarily made exclusively in that city, Gouda was a central hub where farmers brought their cheeses to sell. Gouda has been around since the 12th century and has grown to become one of the most popular cheeses worldwide.

Edam, on the other hand, hails from the town of Edam in the Netherlands. This cheese gained popularity around the 14th century and was prized for its durability and ability to be transported long distances. It was commonly taken on sea voyages and traded globally because it doesn’t spoil easily.

Flavor

Gouda’s Flavor

Gouda’s flavor can be somewhat complex and often varies depending on its age. Younger Gouda has a mild, creamy, and slightly sweet profile with hints of butterscotch or caramel. As it ages, Gouda becomes richer, with a nutty and buttery taste, often developing crunchy tyrosine crystals that bring out deeper umami flavors.

Edam’s Flavor

Edam is typically milder and less tangy than Gouda when young. It has a slightly salty and nutty taste with a subtle sweetness. As Edam matures, it becomes firmer and develops a sharper, more pronounced flavor, although it still remains milder compared to aged Gouda.

Texture

Gouda’s Texture

Young Gouda is soft and creamy, making it ideal for slicing and melting. Aged Gouda, conversely, hardens and becomes more crumbly, often featuring the delightful crystal crunch mentioned earlier.

Edam’s Texture

Edam is slightly firmer than young Gouda and has a smooth, almost rubbery texture. It’s great for slicing or cubing, especially because it holds its shape well. With age, Edam becomes even firmer and may develop a flaky texture but rarely reaches the crumbly state of aged Gouda.

Appearance

• Gouda: Gouda is traditionally encased in a yellow or red wax rind, though it can also come in a natural rind. The cheese itself is usually pale yellow, almost golden, and darkens with age.
• Edam: Edam is typically enrobed in a red or occasionally yellow wax coating. The cheese inside is pale yellow and maintains a uniform color throughout its age.

Ageing Process

The aging process is where Gouda and Edam really differentiate themselves.

Gouda: Gouda can be aged from a few weeks to over a year. The aging process plays a massive role in defining the texture and flavor of the cheese, making it versatile for various dishes and uses.

Edam: Edam is often young, typically aged between 1 to 6 months, but it too can be aged longer, which gives it a sharper flavor and firmer texture.

Culinary Uses

Using Gouda

Gouda’s versatility makes it fantastic in a range of dishes:

• Young Gouda: Great for sandwiches, melting over burgers, or adding to a cheese platter.
• Aged Gouda: Perfect for grating over pasta, incorporating into soups, or enjoying as a standalone cheese with a glass of wine.

Using Edam

Edam also has its unique culinary uses:

• Young Edam: Excellent for slicing into salads, sandwiches, or pairing with fruits.
• Aged Edam: Works well in sauces, baked dishes, and like aged Gouda, can be served as part of a cheese board.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Gouda

Gouda pairs beautifully with:

• Wine: Young Gouda complements lighter white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay. Aged Gouda pairs well with fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Beer: Light beers for young Gouda, while aged Gouda goes great with darker beers or even a nice Trappist ale.
• Fruit: Apples, pears, or even grapes help bring out the flavors of Gouda.

Pairing Edam

Edam, being milder, has slightly different pairing needs:

• Wine: Goes well with lighter wines such as Pinot Grigio or even a light red like Pinot Noir.
• Beer: Pilsners and lagers complement Edam nicely.
• Fruit: Pairs lovely with melons, peaches, or cherries.

Popular Varieties

Gouda Varieties

Some popular varieties include:

• Smoked Gouda: Features a smokey flavor that adds depth to the cheese.
• Herbed Gouda: Often includes herbs and spices like cumin or cloves for additional flavor.

Edam Varieties

Edam may not have as many varieties, but it certainly holds its own:

• Spiced Edam: Sometimes includes herbs or spices for a unique twist.
• Reduced-fat Edam: A lower-fat option for the health-conscious cheese lover.

Price and Availability

Both Gouda and Edam are widely available, especially in specialty cheese shops and larger supermarkets. Price can vary depending on age and origin, but generally:

• Gouda: Younger Gouda tends to be less expensive, while aged varieties can become quite pricey due to the extended aging process.
• Edam: Often moderately priced, with less price variation between young and aged versions compared to Gouda.

Milk Source

Both Gouda and Edam are traditionally made from cow’s milk, but it’s not uncommon to find varieties made from goat or sheep milk, broadening their flavor profiles and culinary uses. In certain regions or artisanal shops, you can find these unique variations.

Health Benefits

While both cheeses are high in calcium and protein, making them good for bone health and muscle repair, they also come with their own nutritional profiles:

• Gouda: Rich in vitamin K2, essential for bone health and preventing cardiovascular disease. Also contains healthy fats, especially in its older, more matured forms.
• Edam: Lower in fat content compared to Gouda, making it a lighter option. Still provides a good source of calcium and protein.

Final Thoughts…

Patrick, both Gouda and Edam bring fantastic flavors and textures to your cheese board. Gouda offers a robust range of tastes from sweet and creamy to rich and nutty, depending on its age. Edam is consistently mildly nutty and smooth, making it universally appealing. Choose based on the experience you want to create for your guests, and enjoy your cheese tasting party!

Thanks for reaching out with such a wonderful question, and have fun with your cheese adventure!