Derby Cheese vs Gruyère Cheese

Derby Cheese

Gruyère Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Derby Cheese and Gruyère Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Derby Cheese and Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Derby Cheese and Gruyère Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Derby Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Derby Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Derby Cheese or Gruyère Cheese better?"

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.

Gruyère Cheese Overview

Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in fondue and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Gruyère Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Derby is not a protected cheese. Gruyère Cheese has a AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Derby Cheese is made with cow milk. Gruyère Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Derby's texture can be described as "semi-firm, artisan". Gruyère Cheese has a fat content of around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. and a moisture content of none. Gruyère's texture can be described as "dense, moister".

Taste and Aroma

Derby Cheese has a buttery, mild, sweet taste. Derby's aroma can be described as "mild". Gruyère Cheese has a nutty, complex taste. Gruyère's aroma can be described as "earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy".

Appearance and Aging

Derby Cheese's appearance is colored ivory . Gruyère Cheese has a color of varies , comes in cylindrical and has an aging period of 5 months to 24+ .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gruyère Cheese's rind is described as natural, orangy , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Derby is ranked #424 out of 996 types based on community views. Gruyère is ranked #33 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Derby Gruyère
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Clam Chowder, Cod, Dijon Mustard, Grilled Cheese, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Asparagus, Madeira, Olives, White Burgundy

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Derby and Gruyère pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Derby Cheese Gruyère Cheese
Country of Origin England And United Kingdom Switzerland
Specific Origin Derbyshire Switzerland, Specifically The Gruyère Region.
Certification Not Specified AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content.
Moisture Content Not Specified Approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture.
Rind Not Specified Natural, orangy
Texture Semi-firm, artisan Dense, moister
Taste Buttery, mild, sweet Nutty, complex
Aroma Mild Earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy
Colors Ivory Varies
Forms Not Specified Cylindrical
Age Not Specified 5 months to 24+
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go for Derby. But if you enjoy a dense, moister consistency, Gruyère might be the better pick. Derby has a buttery, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gruyère offers a nutty, complex profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Derby Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gruyère Cheese to Other Cheeses

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