Emmental Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Emmental Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
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 Emmental Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Emmental 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 Emmental Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.