Derby Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum)
- Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Derby Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England And United Kingdom | — |
| Specific Origin | Derbyshire | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-firm, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Natural or waxed | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | 1 to 6 months | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Buttery, mild, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Exmoor Blue 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 soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derby Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Derby Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Derby Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.