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Blue Cheese vs Derby Cheese
Blue Cheese
Derby Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Blue Cheese and Derby Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Blue Cheese and Derby Cheese?"
- "Is Blue Cheese and Derby Cheese the same?"
- "How does Blue Cheese compare to Derby Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Blue Cheese compare to Derby Cheese?"
- "Is Blue Cheese or Derby Cheese better?"
Blue Cheese Overview
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
Derby Cheese Overview
Derby cheese originates from Derbyshire, England, and is made from cow's milk. It is a semi-firm, ivory-colored cheese that is known for its buttery and mild flavor, with a hint of sweetness. The aroma is gentle, making it an approachable choice for many cheese enthusiasts. Derby is often compared to Cheddar, but it is usually softer and more moist. It is traditionally used in sandwiches or melted over dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Blue Cheese comes from France. Derby Cheese originated from England and United Kingdom.
Milk Type and Treatment
Blue Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Derby Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Blue Cheese has a fat content of around 25-35% and a moisture content of around 30-50%. Blue's texture can be described as "crumbly, creamy, semi-soft". Derby's texture can be described as "semi-firm, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Blue Cheese has a sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent taste. Blue's aroma can be described as "strong, pungent, earthy, funky". Derby Cheese has a buttery, mild, sweet taste. Derby's aroma can be described as "mild".
Appearance and Aging
Blue Cheese's appearance is colored white to creamy yellow base with blue-green veining , is available in wheel, block, wedge, crumbles and is aged typically aged 2-6 months . Derby Cheese has a color of ivory .
Rind and Rennet Type
Blue Cheese's rind is described as natural and uses traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.
Ranking
Blue is ranked #3 out of 996 types based on community views. Derby is ranked #470 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Blue | Derby | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Blue and Derby pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Blue Cheese | Derby Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Derbyshire |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | Around 25-35% | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Around 30-50% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-firm, artisan |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Buttery, mild, sweet |
| Aroma | Strong, Pungent, Earthy, Funky | Mild |
| Colors | White to Creamy Yellow base with Blue-Green Veining | Ivory |
| Forms | Wheel, Block, Wedge, Crumbles | Not Specified |
| Age | Typically aged 2-6 months | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Traditional (animal rennet) or Microbial (varies by producer) | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go for Blue. But if you enjoy a semi-firm, artisan consistency, Derby might be the better pick. Blue has a sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Derby offers a buttery, mild, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
