The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat Edam. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What Edam etiquette is

Edam etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat Edam. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve Edam to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat Edam at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

how to serve and eat edam

What you should know about Edam

Edam is a type of semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands. It is named after the town of Edam in North Holland, where it was first produced.

Edam cheese has a distinctive round shape with a red wax coating. Its color is a pale yellow, and its texture is firm and smooth. Edam cheese has a mild and slightly salty taste with a hint of nuttiness.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat Edam

1) How to store Edam

The ideal temperature to store edam cheese is between 35°F and 45°F (2-7°C). You can store edam in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. In the pantry, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. In the fridge, store it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Edam cheese can last up to six weeks in the pantry, up to six months in the fridge, and up to eight months in the freezer.

Sliced or cooked edam cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within five days.

2) How to clean Edam

To clean edam cheese, simply wipe it with a damp cloth.

You can tell if edam cheese has turned bad if it has a sour or off odor, a slimy texture, or mold growth.

3) How to prepare & cook Edam

You can eat edam cheese both raw and cooked. To prepare it for cooking, you can grate it or cut it into small pieces. The most common ways to cook edam cheese are to use it as a topping for pizza, in a grilled cheese sandwich, or melted over potatoes. You can use a cheese grater or a knife to prepare and cook edam cheese. Edam is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and snacks.

Edam cheese is suitable for guests who are on a keto diet, but it is not suitable for vegan or paleo diets. Some people may have allergies or food intolerances to milk, thus they should avoid eating edam. There are no religious dietary restrictions that forbid eating edam cheese.

4) How to serve & present Edam

Edam cheese is appropriate for both formal and informal occasions and can be served as a side dish, main course, appetizer, or cheese course. It is commonly served as a snack or in sandwiches, but it can also be used in more elaborate dishes.

To serve Edam cheese, it is best to slice it into wedges and present it on a platter. The ideal serving temperature for Edam cheese is room temperature. Use a cheese knife or a regular knife to serve it.

You can accompany Edam cheese with a variety of foods, including crackers, bread, fruits, and nuts. You can also pair it with sweet or savory condiments, such as honey, mustard, or chutney.

5) Food and wine to pair Edam with

The best flavors to pair with Edam cheese are sweet and savory. You can pair it with fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, as well as vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It is best to avoid pairing Edam cheese with overly spicy or bitter vegetables, such as radishes or arugula.

It can go well with other cheese and dairy. Edam pairs well with other mild cheeses such as Gouda and Havarti. It also goes well with dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream. The cheese and dairy pairings to avoid are those with strong flavors that may overpower the mild taste of Edam, such as blue cheese or feta.

Edam goes well with meat, especially poultry, pork, and beef. It pairs well with cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. It does not pair well with fish or seafood.

Edam pairs well with both red and white wines. For red wine, lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais pair well. For white wine, crisp and light-bodied wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio pair well. It can also be paired with Rosé wine, sparkling wine, dessert wine, beer, or spirits, but it’s important to consider the flavors of the beverage and ensure they complement the mild flavor of Edam.

6) How to eat Edam

The best way to eat Edam is to cut it into small slices or wedges and eat it with a cheese knife or regular table knife. It is not polite to eat Edam with your fingers. The rind of the cheese is edible, but some people prefer to remove it before eating.

Edam etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common Edam etiquette mistakes:

  • 7/10. Not cutting the cheese into small enough pieces.
  • 6/10. Eating it with your fingers.
  • 6/10. Double-dipping your fork.

Additional information for properly serving Edam

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

Edam contains around 70-80 calories per ounce (28 grams).

How to buy the best Edam

A crucial factor in Edam etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Edam is available all year round, and there is no specific season to buy it.

Choose the best

The most common way to find Edam in commerce is as a block or a round cheese. It’s also available shredded or sliced for convenience. Fresh Edam can be found in specialty cheese shops, while pre-packaged Edam is available in most supermarkets.

The most popular varieties of Edam in commerce are the traditional Edam cheese and the low-fat or reduced-fat versions. The traditional Edam cheese is the most prized because of its rich and creamy texture.

When buying Edam, look for cheese that is firm to the touch and has a smooth, unblemished rind. The cheese should have a slightly sweet and nutty aroma. It’s also important to check the expiration date and make sure the cheese hasn’t been stored for too long.

Alternatives to Edam

The most common alternatives to Edam are Gouda, Havarti, and Muenster cheese. These cheeses have a similar mild flavor and texture to Edam.

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