The popular ball shaped cheese is named after the Dutch port town of Edam, which is located just outside Amsterdam.

For centuries the cheese has been produced in the town of Edam and not only sent around Holland but exported across the world.

The town of Edam is famous for its cheese market, which is held weekly during the summer months. The town's residents dress in original costumes, display original cheese carriers and enact the traditional market weekly between June and August every year. Nearby cheese warehouses showcase the market's colourful past for all to see.

Edam the town began in the 12th century, when farmers and fishermen settled along the little Ye river and 'Yedam' emerged. Originally famous for building ships, the settlement prospered in the 17th century into a large town with 33 ship-yards. Today Edam is a beautiful town with authentic 17th century architecture, old streets and quiet canals.