Why does Edam Cheese have that thick Wax Coating? | Food Unwrapped
TLDRIn this engaging video, the viewer is taken on a journey to the Netherlands to explore the world of Edam cheese, a beloved cheese with a distinctive wax coating. The host meets with traditional cheese maker Marco Harting in the town of Gouda, who explains the process of waxing the cheese and how it contributes to the cheese's texture and flavor while maintaining moisture. The video also delves into the historical significance of Edam cheese, with a visit to the town's namesake, Edam, where cheese historian Herod provides insights into the cheese's origins and its importance in Dutch history. The wax coating, made from paraffin, not only preserves the cheese but also serves as a waterproof barrier, making it ideal for long sea voyages. The video concludes with a demonstration of the cheese waxing process, showcasing the simplicity and craftsmanship behind this traditional Dutch product.
Takeaways
- 🧀 Edam cheese is known for its distinctive wax coating, which is different from candle wax and is made from paraffin wax.
- 🇳🇱 The Netherlands, specifically the town of Gouda, is the home of Edam cheese, with a long history of cheese making dating back to the 14th century.
- 🧤 Cheese makers like Marco Harting wear a handkerchief or bandana to prevent hair from getting into the cheese during the production process.
- 👉 Marco produces around 130 handmade cheeses every week, showcasing the traditional craft of cheese making.
- 🟡🟠 The wax color on Edam cheese varies by region, with the US preferring red wax and the Dutch favoring yellow wax.
- 🧤 The wax is applied to the cheese by dipping it into melted paraffin wax using a glove, which is not too hot as the wax melts at a lower temperature than water.
- 🕒 The wax coating dries quickly on one side of the cheese before being dipped on the other, creating a sealed, protective layer.
- 🛍️ The wax serves a similar purpose to natural rinds on other cheeses, aiding in the development of texture and flavor while maintaining moisture as the cheese matures.
- ⛴ The wax coating was historically important for long-distance transportation, as it is waterproof and protected the cheese during sea voyages.
- 🏴☠️ The Dutch East India Company played a role in shipping Edam cheese around the world, benefiting from its durable wax coating for long-term storage.
- 🧐 A cheese historian in Edam can provide insights into the origins and significance of the cheese's wax coating, highlighting its role in the cheese's history and global trade.
Q & A
What is Edam cheese known for?
-Edam cheese is known for its distinctive rind and wax coating, which makes it easily recognizable.
Why is wax used on Edam cheese?
-The wax coating on Edam cheese serves as a protective layer, helping the cheese develop texture and flavor while maintaining moisture as it matures.
What type of wax is used on Edam cheese?
-Paraffin wax, which is made from crude oil as a byproduct of petroleum refining, is used on Edam cheese.
How does the wax color differ for Edam cheese in different countries?
-In the United States and Britain, Edam cheese is often wrapped in red wax, while in the Netherlands, it is typically wrapped in yellow wax.
How is the wax applied to the cheese?
-The cheese is dipped into melted paraffin wax, which is not too hot and melts at a lower temperature than water. After one side dries, the process is repeated for the other side.
Why is the wax coating historically significant for Edam cheese?
-The wax coating was historically significant because it made the cheese waterproof, which was perfect for long-distance transportation on ships, protecting it from the damp conditions in the ship's hold.
What is the role of the handkerchief or bandana in the cheese-making process?
-The handkerchief or bandana is worn to cover the hair to prevent any hairs from getting into the cheese during the cheese-making process.
How many cheeses does Marco Harting make in a week?
-Marco Harting produces around 130 handmade cheeses every week.
What is the significance of the town of Edam in the history of Edam cheese?
-Edam is the birthplace of Edam cheese and the central marketplace where farmers have been bringing their cheeses since the 14th century, and it has been sold from this square since 1680.
How did the Dutch East India Company contribute to the spread of Edam cheese?
-The Dutch East India Company played a role in shipping Edam cheese to various parts of the world, including India, due to its durability and waterproof nature.
What is the difference between the wax coating and a natural rind in terms of preservation?
-Unlike a natural rind, which is not waterproof, Edam's wax coating provides a protective barrier that keeps the cheese in good condition for extended periods, even during long sea voyages.
What is the significance of the central well in Edam?
-The central well in Edam is significant as it is a historical gathering place where farmers brought their cheeses to the marketplace, contributing to the town's reputation as a cheese hub.
Outlines
🧀 Edam Cheese's Wax Coating: Why and How
The script introduces Edam cheese, a popular cheese with a distinctive rind, and raises the question of why it is coated in wax. The narrator visits the Netherlands to meet with cheese maker Marco Harting, who explains the process of waxing the cheese and the type of wax used (paraffin wax). The wax serves to develop the cheese's texture and flavor while maintaining moisture as it matures. Different countries prefer different wax colors, with the UK favoring red and the Dutch preferring yellow. The process of applying wax involves dipping the cheese into melted wax and waiting for it to harden.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Edam Cheese
💡Wax Coating
💡Marco Harting
💡Paraffin Wax
💡Cheese Maturation
💡Cultural Preferences
💡Cheese Historian
💡East Indian Company
💡Cheese Marketplace
💡Cheese Preservation
💡Handmade Cheese Production
Highlights
Edam cheese is a popular cheese variety known for its distinctive wax coating.
The wax on Edam cheese is paraffin wax, which is different from candle wax.
Paraffin wax is made from crude oil and is a byproduct of petroleum refining.
Different countries prefer Edam cheese wrapped in different colors of wax - red for the US and UK, yellow for the Netherlands.
The wax is applied to the cheese by dipping it in melted paraffin wax.
The wax coating helps Edam develop its texture and flavor while maintaining moisture during maturation.
The wax coating serves the same purpose as a natural rind on other cheeses.
Marco Harting, a traditional cheesemaker in the Netherlands, produces around 130 handmade Edam cheeses each week.
The cheesemaker wears a handkerchief to prevent hairs from getting into the cheese.
Edam is one of the oldest cheeses made in the Netherlands, dating back to the 14th century.
The town of Edam is the birthplace of the cheese and has been a central marketplace for it since 1680.
The Dutch East India Company shipped Edam all over the world in the 17th century due to its long shelf life and waterproof wax coating.
The wax coating protected the cheese during long sea voyages, as it is waterproof unlike a natural rind.
Edam cheese was ideal for long-distance sea trade due to its durability and protection from the wax coating.
Cheese historian Herod provides insights into the origins and history of Edam cheese in the town of Edam.
The well in Edam is a central place where farmers have brought their cheeses to the marketplace since the 17th century.
The waxing process of Edam cheese is simple - the cheese is dipped in melted wax and allowed to harden.
Transcripts
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