Fontal Cheese vs Queso Castellano
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queso Castellano is firm, slightly adhesive, elastic, crumbly, granular 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 Queso Castellano?
Queso Castellano is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from Castile and Leon, Spain, made from raw or pasteurized milk. It has carried a protected geographical indication since 2020 and is sold as whole wheels, in portions, sliced or grated.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queso Castellano?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Queso Castellano (Sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Queso Castellano | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Castile And Leon |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Firm, slightly adhesive, elastic, crumbly, granular |
| Rind | — | Well-defined, natural or coated, pale yellow to brown |
| Aging | — | Minimum 30 days (≤1.5 kg), minimum 60 days (>1.5 kg) |
| Taste | — | High intensity, acidic and salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queso Castellano?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Castellano?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Queso Castellano in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queso Castellano?
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 Queso Castellano?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Queso Castellano uses sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queso Castellano?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Castellano?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queso Castellano?
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 Queso Castellano made of?
Queso Castellano is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using rennet or coagulating enzymes rennet. It's typically aged minimum 30 days (≤1.5 kg), minimum 60 days (>1.5 kg).
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queso Castellano?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.