What is edam cheese?

Edam is a mild, semi-hard cheese that is named for the town of Edam in the northern Netherlands. Edam is usually sold in a ball shape that is covered with red wax. This Dutch cheese features a light yellow color and a slightly tangy, salty flavor.

Edam cheese pairs well with fruit such as pears, apples, nectarines, cherries and melons. It is also eaten with crackers and bread in its natural form.

People can also cook Edam cheese. It melts well and yields a soft, stringy consistency that pairs well with many foods, including cod, prawns, pasta and butternut squash.