Facts

Calcium
Edam is a great source of calcium, which is indispensable for the structure of the skeleton and prevents osteoporosis later in life. Milk and cheese are the most important sources of calcium for the human body. Four slices of Edam cheese contain sufficient calcium to fulfil our body's daily requirement.

Salt
Salt is essential to the cheese's taste, shelf life and rind. 100g of immature Edam cheese contains approximately 2.7g of salt. There are numerous products that, both naturally or due to additives, contain higher levels of salt than cheese. In fact Edam is endorsed by the UK government as a healthy cheese alternative for school lunch.

Fat
Cheese is considered to be a product that is high in fat, however many don't realise that Edam is a low fat cheese, containing 25% less fat than cheddar.

The fat content of cheese is usually expressed as a percentage of the solid matter, as the moisture is not constant (the level of moisture reduces depending on the maturity of the cheese). A mild Edam ball contains 40% moisture and 60% dry matter. If Edam is described as being 40% fat, this in fact means there is 40% fat in the dry matter. Therefore 100g of Edam only contains 40% of 60% = 24%.

Colouring agents
Cheese is naturally yellow in colour if summer milk is used in the production process. Fresh grass actually contains carotene and this is what gives cheese its characteristic colour. Cheese made using 'winter' milk would look paler if no colouring agents were added because the winter feed that cattle are fed contains almost no carotene. This is why natural colouring agents are added, usually annatto, a substance that is made from tropical plants.

Proteins
We need proteins to build our body tissue and they facilitate the execution of important bodily functions. In comparison with other foodstuffs, cheese is an important source of proteins. For example, 70g of cheese produces just as much protein as 100g of meat. Cheese is therefore an excellent protein alternative to meat.

Vitamins
Vitamins are substances that we need to grow, develop and function. Vitamins work together with other substances and enzymes in the body to provide us with energy, make new tissue, remove waste and ensure that all organs work properly. Our bodies are unable to produce a lot of vitamins so are acquired from the food we eat.

Cheese is an important source of vitamins A, B and D. Vitamin A is good for our eyes, skin, hair and gums. Vitamin B keeps our skin healthy, helps digestion and is beneficial to our nervous system. Lastly, Vitamin D is indispensable for the intake of calcium and therefore helps the formation of healthy bones and teeth.

Nutritional Values (pre 100g):
The following table shows the most important nutritional values of 100g of Edam cheese. Data is also included on the recommended daily intake of the elements represented.

  Quantity RDA
Fats 24.60g
Proteins 25.60g
Carbohydrates 0g
Salt 2.7g
Calcium 912 Mg 800
Vitamin A 0.22mg 0.9
Vitamin B1 0.03mg 1.42%
Vitamin B2 0.19mg 1.6
Vitamin B6 0.06mg 2
Vitamin B12 0.38mg 1
Vitamin D 0.48mg 5