Berkswell Cheese vs Derby Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in England and United Kingdom.
What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
What Is Derby Cheese?
Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Derby Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Derby Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Derby Cheese (natural or waxed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Derby Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | England And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Derbyshire |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-firm, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural or waxed |
| Aging | — | 1 to 6 months |
| Taste | — | Buttery, mild, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Derby Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Derby Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Derby Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Derby Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm, artisan.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Derby Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Berkswell Cheese. For a semi-firm, artisan profile, Derby Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Derby Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Derby Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Derby Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Derby Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Derby Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
What is Derby Cheese made of?
Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Derby Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan.