Derby Cheese vs Herve Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Herve Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Belgium.

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 Is Herve Cheese?

Herve is a Belgian washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the countryside near Liège, where it has been produced since the 15th century. It is known for the powerful smell that Brevibacterium linens gives it after about three months of ripening.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Herve Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Herve Cheese (Belgium)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (Semi-hard), Herve Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Herve Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Herve Cheese (about 3 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Herve Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Herve Cheese brings smooth, spicy character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Herve Cheese's pungent, strong. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Herve Cheese leans toward sweet when young, spicy with age. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Herve Cheese at about 3 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Herve Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Herve Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Herve Cheese brings smooth, spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Herve Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a soft profile, Herve Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Herve Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Herve Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Herve Cheese comes from Belgium. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Herve Cheese about 3 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Herve Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Herve Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Herve Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Herve Cheese is smooth, spicy. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Herve Cheese is closer to pungent, strong.

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.

What is Herve Cheese made of?

Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Belgium.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Herve Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-hard, while Herve Cheese is soft.