Derby Cheese vs Selles-sur-Cher Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is semi-hard and made from goat milk, originating in France.

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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Selles-sur-Cher is a goat milk cheese from Centre-Val de Loire, France, first made in the 19th century in the commune it is named for. It comes as a small charcoal-dusted cylinder of about 150 g, known for its grey-blue mould rind and lightly salty paste.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Derby Cheese (Cow's milk), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Goat's milk)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ash-coated, light to dark ash)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ten days minimum)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fresh, hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Selles-sur-Cher Cheese's fresh goat, mushroom hints. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese leans toward chalky-white, homogenous, highlighted by rind. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Selles-sur-Cher Cheese at ten days minimum.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese fits dishes calling for fresh, hazelnut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese comes from France. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Selles-sur-Cher Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese ten days minimum.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fresh, hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is closer to fresh goat, mushroom hints.

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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese made of?

Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using small amount rennet. It's typically aged ten days minimum. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.