If you like traveling and observing new places you are not to disregard such an interesting place as Edam village in Northern Netherlands.  It gave its name to the world-famous cheese, but if you visit this destination you will see that it is not only cheese, which is the main sight there.  In fact, Edam is a very peaceful and colorful settlement, which seems to be created for calm life and simple occupations. Just make some steps along its narrow streets - and you will feel the slowness of minutes and the serenity of people taking their time.

The silence of Edam seems strange after loud megapolises like Amsterdam and Volendam situated not far away and easy reachable by bus or car.  When you are there it is even hard to imagine that in the middle of the 18th century it was a very busy port with more than 30 shipyards and the fleet always ready to start whale hunting.  Nowadays, with Amsterdam at the distance of less than 20 kilometers, the village is mostly the bedroom community for the capital's population with quite rich and fascinating residences.  They, as well, are worth to see, together with sights and popular places.

You will find the town wall, the Speeltoren (tower) and Grotekerk, the chief monument of Edam built in the 15th century, in the list of the most popular and willingly-visited sites.  Besides, the city itself is rather interesting, with all its numerous canals and small bridges.  They are even more wonderful and amazing if look on them from the boat.  And, as well, it is very romantic.

But do not forget during your, without any doubts, interesting and totally amazing journey along the narrow streets of this old city that its main popularity is in Edam cheese, perhaps, one of the best-known cheeses in the country and the whole Europe.  And though there is not much in the city to remind you of the cheese, the visitors seldom forget about it, as this is, indeed, the major point of interest.  There is even a special season of markets called Kaasmarkt which takes place early Wednesday mornings in July and August and gives you an opportunity to buy wonderful Edam cheese in any quantity you like.

Edam cheese is very popular due to its specifications.  First, and especially interesting for those who try to look properly after their shapes and diets, this product is low fat.  The fat content is usually about only 28 per cent.  As for useful proteins, there are 25 per cent of them in the snack.  Only pasteurized milk is used for cooking Edam cheese, so it will be suitable for women during pregnancy.

Edam cheese has a lot of admirers around the world and is purchased abroad with great pleasure.  Hereby and due to the fact that the Netherlands produce over 600 million kilos of cheese annually the country is the world's largest cheese exporter.  Besides, there are special manufactures, which produce this delicious dish in such countries as the United States of America, Argentina and a number of European states.

As any other cheese in the world, Edam has different types, one of their differences being age.  The cheese is usually aged 60 days to one year, and in accordance herewith the cheese may be young and old.  The old Edam is, of course, a little bit sharper than the young one, but the Holland people like it more for some reason.  You have a wonderful opportunity to choose the very that type you like most if visit the splendid city of Edam and see all the factories and manufactures in the process.  Try and choose - and you won't be disappointed.