Edam Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Edam Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Edam Cheese?
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.
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 Edam Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | — |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Edam 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 Edam Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Edam Cheese made of?
Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.