Edam

Edam is a town in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. It lies to the north of Amsterdam, near Volendam and Purmerend. The town has a historic center with traditional Dutch architecture and a long association with the cheese trade, which contributed to its international recognition. The name Edam is also tied to a well-known Dutch cheese produced in the surrounding region.

Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is formed into spheres, typically about 6 to 11 centimeters in diameter and weighing around 1 kilogram each. The spheres are commonly coated with a red wax rind to protect the cheese during aging and export. Young Edam has a mild, creamy flavor with subtle nutty notes; as it matures, it becomes firmer and develops a fuller, saltier taste. Edam is usually sold in whole balls or wedges and is widely exported, making it a staple of Dutch cheesemaking and international markets.

In culinary uses, Edam appears on cheese boards, in sandwiches, and in various melted or baked dishes. It is often paired with bread, fruit, or nuts to highlight its milder profile, especially when younger. While closely associated with the town, production now occurs in multiple regions of the Netherlands and abroad, reflecting Edam’s enduring role in Dutch dairy traditions.