Fontal Cheese vs Pepato Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Pepato Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pepato Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from sheep 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 Pepato Cheese?
Pepato is a semi-hard Sicilian sheep milk cheese studded with whole peppercorns. It is sold young at about 10 days or aged two to four months, and it turns up throughout Sicilian home cooking.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Pepato Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pepato Cheese (sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Pepato Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Sicily, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 10 days to 4 months |
| Taste | — | Salty, spicy |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pepato Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pepato Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Pepato Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pepato 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 Pepato Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Pepato Cheese uses sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pepato Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pepato Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pepato 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 Pepato Cheese made of?
Pepato Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 10 days to 4 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pepato Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.