Derby Cheese vs Roumy Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Roumy Cheese is hard and made from cow or buffalo milk, originating in Egypt.

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 Roumy Cheese?

Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Roumy Cheese (Egypt)
• Milk type: Derby Cheese (Cow's milk), Roumy Cheese (Cow's or water buffalo's milk)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (Semi-hard), Roumy Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Roumy Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Roumy Cheese (salty, sharp, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Roumy Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Roumy Cheese's pungent. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Roumy Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Roumy Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Roumy 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 hard profile, Roumy Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Roumy Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Roumy Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Roumy Cheese comes from Egypt. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Roumy Cheese uses cow or buffalo. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Roumy Cheese 3 to 4 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Roumy Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Roumy Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Roumy Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Roumy Cheese is salty, sharp, strong. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Roumy Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Roumy Cheese made of?

Roumy Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Roumy Cheese?

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