Fontal Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
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 Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Taste | — | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Naboulsi 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 Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Naboulsi 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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.