Cheese Pairings

Edam

Edam cheese originates from the town of Edam, after which it is named, in the northern regions of the Netherlands. It is also produced in Spain and both North and South America, but it has been produced in the Netherlands since the Middle Ages. Edam is produced from pasteurised cow or goat’s milk, forming a semi-hard cheese with creamy and nutty tones which intensify with age. By time, its texture also becomes drier and crumblier. This takes time, though, as Edam takes even longer to mature compared to most cheeses. For this reason, many years ago, this cheese was quite popular with Dutch merchants as they would stock up on Edam due to its slow rate of ageing and longer preservation during their lengthy voyages out at sea. This type of cheese is considered to be a delicacy, especially with younger audiences. This could be due to its mild taste and soft texture.

Pairing

For the ideal pairing, rich fruits, such as apricots, peaches, or cherries, complement Edam exquisitely. Aged Edam would also flourish in taste if paired with apples or pears. If being served on a charcuterie board, crackers and biscuits can also be added to the variety, or one might choose to enjoy the cheese on a piece of fresh bread.

In cooking, grated Edam is a great addition to potatoes or it can be melted onto pasta and casserole dishes.  

To really seal the deal, serve your Edam pairings with a glass of wine, such as Pinot Gris, Dry or Semi-dry Riesling, Champagne, Chardonnay, or Shiraz. If you prefer beer, pair the cheese with a dark kind of beer.

A wide variety of quality ingredients are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

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