Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese is a firm, creamy consistency goat and sheep-milk cheese, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese?
Brocciu Corse, also known simply as Brocciu, is a traditional cheese from Corsica, France. It is a whey cheese made exclusively from fresh goat's and/or ewe's milk whey, supplemented with fresh whole ewe's and/or goat's milk used in its raw state. The cheese is available in two varieties: fresh (frais) and ripened (passu). Brocciu Corse is characterized by its firm texture, creamy consistency, and mild, slightly salty flavor. It is a key ingredient in many regional Corsican dishes, such as omelettes with wild mint and traditional pastries. The cheese is protected under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, ensuring its production is confined to the geographical area of Corsica.
What Is Fontal Cheese?
Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.
What's the Difference Between Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Milk type: Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese (Goat's and/or ewe's milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Corsica | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's and/or ewe's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Firm, creamy consistency | — |
| Aging | Available fresh or ripened | — |
| Taste | Mild, slightly salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.
Is Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese made of?
Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (raw), using traditional or commercially produced rennet; no other coagulating enzymes permitted rennet. It's typically aged available fresh or ripened.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Brocciu Corse / Brocciu Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.