North Holland · Netherlands
Aged Edam.
Aged Edam presents a firm, crystalline bite that yields nutty, lightly caramelized notes with a subtle brininess that builds on the palate. As it matures beyond six months, the cheese develops surprising complexity—clean lactic qualities deepen into savory complexity, with a faint minerality that speaks to North Holland's terroir. The aroma is restrained but intriguing, inviting rather than aggressive.
Rate this cheese
Origin
52.7°N · 4.8°E
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Edam has been produced in and around the North Holland town of Edam since the 14th century, making it one of Europe's oldest commercially traded cheeses. The distinctive ball shape and red wax coating are iconic.
Aged Edam (without red wax) is substantially sharper and more complex than the young version. Like Gouda, it has a Codex Alimentarius standard.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Hard
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 6–18 mo
- Intensity
- 3 / 5
- Texture
- hard
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Aged Edam's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for hard cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 30–60 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Use a sturdy knife, or break it into craggy chunks with a spike — shards and shavings beat neat slices.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Aged.
45 pairings across 8 categories.
Wine
Fruits & Jams
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Aged Edam are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Aged Edam at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
Want to remember this one?.
Log it, pair it, and keep your own tasting notes — Caseo is free.
