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Derby Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese
Derby Cheese
Mahón-Menorca Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Derby Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Derby Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Derby Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese the same?"
- "How does Derby Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Derby Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Derby Cheese or Mahón-Menorca 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.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview
Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Mahón-Menorca Cheese originated from Spain.
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. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985).
Milk Type and Treatment
Derby Cheese is made with cow milk. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Derby's texture can be described as "semi-firm, artisan". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".
Taste and Aroma
Derby Cheese has a buttery, mild, sweet taste. Derby's aroma can be described as "mild". Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery".
Appearance and Aging
Derby Cheese's appearance is colored ivory . Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a color of ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , comes in parallelepiped shape and has an aging period of tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish , with vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet.
Ranking
Derby is ranked #469 out of 996 types based on community views. Mahón-Menorca is ranked #224 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Derby Cheese | Mahón-Menorca Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England And United Kingdom | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Derbyshire | Menorca, Balearic Islands |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996), PDO (1985) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Friesian, Menorcan, Brown Alpine cow’s milk, some ewe’s milk (max 5%) |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Raw or any authorized preservation technology |
| Rind | Not Specified | Characteristic orangish |
| Texture | Semi-firm, artisan | Firm |
| Taste | Buttery, mild, sweet | Salty and spicy |
| Aroma | Mild | Lactic, buttery |
| Colors | Ivory | Ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray |
| Forms | Not Specified | Parallelepiped shape |
| Age | Not Specified | Tender: 21-60 days, Semi-cured: 2-5 months, Vintage: >5 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Vegetable (Cynara cardunculus) |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go for Derby. But if you enjoy a firm consistency, Mahón-Menorca might be the better pick. Derby has a buttery, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Mahón-Menorca offers a salty and spicy profile, ideal for different meals.
