Fontal Cheese vs Istrian Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Istrian Cheese is hard and made from sheep 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 Istrian Cheese?
Istrian cheese, from the Istria region of Croatia, is typically made from sheep’s milk, although goat’s and cow’s milk versions are also produced. It has a hard texture and a savory, somewhat spicy flavor, which makes it excellent for grating over dishes or serving alongside olives and wines.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Istrian Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Istrian Cheese (Ewe's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Istrian Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Istrian Peninsula |
| Milk Type | Cow | Ewe's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 60 days |
| Taste | — | Specific, natural |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Istrian Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Istrian Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Istrian Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Istrian 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 Istrian Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Istrian Cheese uses sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Istrian Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Istrian Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Istrian 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 Istrian Cheese made of?
Istrian Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 60 days.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Istrian Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.