A holiday tradition dating back all the way to 17th century England, Sage Derby is well beloved in Britain for its savory, herbaceous taste, firm, buttery texture, and unmistakable green hue. Trader Joe’s Sage Derby (pronounced DAR-bee, across the pond) is crafted especially for us by a small, family-owned cheesemaker in Lancashire, who hand-blends the Cheddar curds with a mix of earthy, aromatic sage and spinach (for color). Each wedge has a marvelously marbled, and—if we dare say so ourselves—charmingly festive appearance, ideal for serving on cheese plates of all kinds.

So how best to enjoy Sage Derby? Aside from simply eating it on its own or with a glass of crisp Chardonnay (which we certainly won’t dissuade you from), it also makes an excellent ingredient in cheese scones, quiches, or potatoes au gratin. For aesthetically-minded foodies, it provides some nicely verdant visuals when cubed and served alongside charcuterie or melted into mac & cheese. And if you’re ready for some exceptionally sage advice, we find its awesomely herbaceous qualities make it a perfect cheese for slicing thin and serving on a roast turkey sandwich. Mmm!