Fontal Cheese vs Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow or goat milk.
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 Is Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
Formaggio d'alpe ticinese is a semi-hard raw milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Ticino, Switzerland, during the summer grazing months. It is known for its brown-grey rind and, in some valleys, a share of goat milk blended into the cow milk.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese (cow, sometimes with up to 30% goat)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Ticino, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow, sometimes with up to 30% goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard |
| Rind | — | Natural, washed in brine |
| Aging | — | 60 days to about 1 year |
| Taste | — | Mild when young, spicier with age |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Formaggio d'alpe ticinese 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 Fontal Cheese the same as Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese uses cow or goat.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese made of?
Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese is made from cow or goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 60 days to about 1 year.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Formaggio d'alpe ticinese Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.