Fontal Cheese vs Queijo Terrincho
Fontal Cheese
Queijo Terrincho
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queijo Terrincho is close and even, slightly buttery for queijo terrincho; hard, well-formed for queijo terrincho velho. and made from sheep milk.
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 Queijo Terrincho?
Queijo Terrincho is a traditional cheese from Portugal, specifically from the Terra Quente region. It is made from the raw milk of Churra da Terra Quente sheep. The cheese is known for its distinct flavor and aroma, which become more intense as it ages. Queijo Terrincho has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring its production is limited to specific areas. The cheese is available in various sizes, including a new "merendeira" or lunchbox size. It can be sold whole, sliced, or in pre-packaged portions. The cheese is matured for a minimum of 30 days, with a variant called Queijo Terrincho Velho maturing for at least 90 days. Traditional preservation techniques include coating with red pepper paste or immersing in virgin olive oil.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queijo Terrincho?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Queijo Terrincho (Sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Queijo Terrincho | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Terra Quente Region, Including Municipalities Like Mogadouro, Alfândega Da Fé, And Torre De Moncorvo. |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Close and even, slightly buttery for Queijo Terrincho; hard, well-formed for Queijo Terrincho Velho. |
| Rind | — | Supple, whole, well-formed, smooth, light straw-yellow color for Queijo Terrincho; hard, red, sometimes rough-textured for Queijo Terrincho Velho. |
| Aging | — | Minimum 30 days for Queijo Terrincho; minimum 90 days for Queijo Terrincho Velho. |
| Taste | — | Intense smell, mild and clean for Queijo Terrincho; strong, balanced mixture of different smells for Queijo Terrincho Velho. |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queijo Terrincho?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queijo Terrincho?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Queijo Terrincho in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queijo Terrincho?
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 Queijo Terrincho?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Queijo Terrincho uses sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queijo Terrincho?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queijo Terrincho?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queijo Terrincho?
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 Queijo Terrincho made of?
Queijo Terrincho is made from sheep milk (raw), using animal origin rennet. It's typically aged minimum 30 days for queijo terrincho; minimum 90 days for queijo terrincho velho..
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queijo Terrincho?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.