Derby Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

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Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Derby Cheese?

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.

What Is Old Ford Cheese?

Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

  • Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
  • Milk type: Derby Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
  • Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
  • Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Derby Cheese Old Ford Cheese
Country of Origin England And United Kingdom England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin Derbyshire Timsbury, Somerset
Milk Type Cow's milk Goat's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized
Texture Semi-firm, artisan Semi-hard, artisan
Rind Natural
Taste Buttery, mild, sweet Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory

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Where to buy Derby Cheese and Old Ford Cheese

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

What is Old Ford Cheese made of?

Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.

See full profiles: Derby Cheese and Old Ford Cheese.

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