Fontal Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | Minimum 12 months, average 2 years |
| Taste | — | Salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese made of?
Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.