Fontal Cheese vs Port Salut Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Port Salut Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Port Salut Cheese?
Port Salut is a semi-soft pasteurized cow's milk cheese from Pays de la Loire, France. Trappist monks developed it in the 19th century, and it is known for its orange rind, its smooth sliceable paste and its mild flavor.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Port Salut Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Port Salut Cheese (France)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Port Salut Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Pays De La Loire, France |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-soft |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Taste | — | Acidic, mellow |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Port Salut Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Port Salut Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Port Salut 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 Port Salut Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Port Salut Cheese comes from France.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Port Salut Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Port Salut 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 Port Salut Cheese made of?
Port Salut Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Port Salut Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.