Cheeses of Edam
A small harbour town on the old Zuiderzee that gave its name to the round, red-waxed cheese shipped around the world.
Made, aged and sold here
Best time: July and August, when the summer cheese market is held.
Edam is a small town of canals and drawbridges north of Amsterdam, once a busy port on the Zuiderzee. Its round cheese, made from part-skimmed milk, travelled well by ship, and Edam became one of the best-known Dutch exports. For export it was coated in red wax, and the red ball became its image around the world.
Edam cheese
Edam is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, lower in fat than Gouda because part of the cream is skimmed off. It is pressed into a ball, brined and aged for a few weeks to many months. Young Edam is mild and springy; aged Edam is firmer and saltier. The Dutch eat it mostly with a natural rind, while red wax is used for export.
The town and its market
The Kaaswaag, the cheese weigh house of 1778, stands by a canal in the centre and shows the history of the trade. In summer, a traditional cheese market is held on set days for visitors. Edam's old town has a leaning church tower, a museum in a merchant's house and quiet canals that lead to the IJsselmeer shore.
A trail idea for Edam
- Kaaswaag The 1778 cheese weigh house in the town centre.
- Summer cheese market Watch the traditional market on its summer days.
- Edams Museum A merchant's house with a floating cellar.
- Volendam The fishing town on the IJsselmeer, a short ride away.
Written by the EveryCheese desk with AI assistance. Background: "Edam, Netherlands" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets, caves and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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