The quintessential Dutch cheese is made from cows’ milk, and has a firm, elastic, pale-yellow interior with a sweet, slightly nutty flavour. The whole cheeses are spherical, and those intended for export are coated with coloured wax. Edam is available in a wide range of flavours, and made throughout North West Europe, although Edam from the Dutch port of the same name is protected by a European PDO mark. It melts well, and is a popular ingredient in cookery. In its homeland, Edam is traditionally served at the end of a meal with pale ale.

Credits: BBC Food