A cheese that defines Dutch culture, Edam is a mellow, savory, slightly salty cheese that has a pale yellow interior with a red or yellow paraffin coating. (The yellow is more common in Holland; the red is intended for export). It is made from part-skimmed milk (30 to 40 percent milk-fat) and comes in spheres with flattened ends. Edam, named for a Dutch town, is second only to Gouda as Holland's most exported cheese. It is a great all-purpose cheese, especially good when served with dark beer.