This is the difference between Edam and Gouda cheese

What is Edam cheese?

Edam cheese, from the Dutch town of Edam, is world-famous for its round shape and characteristic red wax coating. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk and is known for its mild, salty taste. The production process involves acidifying the milk, moulding the cheese, and then ripening, during which the cheese develops its unique flavour and texture. Edam cheese is loved for its versatility in use, from cheese boards to melted in dishes, and its ability to mature well without losing firmness. These characteristics make Edam a favourite in both young and aged forms worldwide.

What is Gouda cheese?

Gouda cheese, named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands, is one of the most well-known and loved cheeses worldwide. This cheese is produced from pasteurised cow's milk and can be recognised by its flat, round shape and often yellow wax coating. The production process of Gouda cheese includes milk coagulation, pressing and moulding, and a careful ripening process. Gouda cheese is loved for its rich and creamy flavour, which varies from mild to very strong depending on the ripening time.

Gouda cheese is often referred to under the name Gouda cheese. Interestingly, 'Gouda cheese' is not a protected name and cheeses from all over the world are allowed to be called that, the name 'Gouda Holland', on the other hand, has been protected with a geographical indication since 2010. This means that only cheeses made in the Netherlands and made from Dutch cow's milk can bear the name 'Gouda Holland'. This protection ensures that the quality and origin of the cheese remain guaranteed, keeping the genuine Gouda cheese distinct from its international variants.

The difference between Edam and Gouda cheese

The difference between Edam and Gouda cheese lies mainly in taste, texture and maturation process. Edam is milder and has a semi-hard texture, ideal for those who prefer a subtle cheese. Gouda cheese is richer and creamier, with a flavour that ranges from mild to very strong - depending on the ripening time. Edam is often recognisable by its red wax coating, while Gouda usually has a yellow wax coating. Both cheeses are native to the Netherlands and loved around the world for their unique flavour characteristics.

Similar cheeses

Although Edam and Gouda are unique in their types, they share some similarities with other European cheeses such as Comté and Emmentaler. These similarities lie mainly in their versatility and ripening potential, but Edam and Gouda's specific flavour and texture remain truly distinctive in this regard.

Henri Willig Edam and Gouda cheese

Henri Willig, with its passion for cheese and craftsmanship, offers an extensive range of cheeses, including Edam and Gouda cheeses. There is a wide choice for everyone, with varieties from young to old and from mild to intense. Some of our favourite Edam and Gouda cheeses are:

• Organic cow's cheese according to Edam recipe: A modern twist on the classic Edam, organically produced with a mild, creamy flavour.
• Gouda young cheese 48: The classic, unaltered Gouda, known for its soft, creamy and mild flavour.
• Gouda mature cheese wheel 48 : After 4 months of ripening just a little spicier than the young Gouda, but remains soft and creamy.
• Gouda cumin cheese 48: The traditional Gouda flavour enriched with cumin for a unique, anise-like twist.
• Organic green pesto cow's cheese: A young, organic cheese with the fresh flavours of green pesto.

Each cheese is carefully prepared and vacuum-packed by Henri Willig's specialists, so you can enjoy the fresh and authentic flavours at home.

In addition, it is easy to order cheese online at Henri Willig. With a few clicks, you select the cheeses you want and they are sent to you directly from the cheese factory. So you can enjoy Henri Willig's delicious, artisanal cheeses effortlessly, wherever you are.