Fontal Cheese vs Penamellera Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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 Penamellera Cheese?
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Penamellera Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Penamellera Cheese (Spain)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Penamellera Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Penamellera Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Asturias, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 10 to 15 days |
| Taste | — | Acidic, bitter, herbaceous |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Penamellera Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Penamellera Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Penamellera 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 Penamellera Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Penamellera Cheese comes from Spain. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Penamellera Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Penamellera Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Penamellera 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 Penamellera Cheese made of?
Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 10 to 15 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.