Fontal Cheese vs Queso Ibores
Fontal Cheese
Queso Ibores
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queso Ibores is slightly hard, moist, creamy, crumbly to spongy and made from goat 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 Ibores?
Queso Ibores is a raw goat's milk cheese from southeast Cáceres, Spain, with a protected designation of origin. It is known for its paprika-rubbed or oil-rubbed rind and a tangy, moderately piquant paste made from Serrana, Verata and Retinta goat milk.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queso Ibores?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Queso Ibores (Goat)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Queso Ibores | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Ibores, Villuercas, La Jara, And Trujillo, Cáceres |
| Milk Type | Cow | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Slightly hard, moist, creamy, crumbly to spongy |
| Rind | — | Smooth, medium-hard, coated in pepper or oil |
| Aging | — | Minimum 60 days (100 days for "Artesano" variety) |
| Taste | — | Strong, slightly tart, tangy, and salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queso Ibores?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Ibores?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Queso Ibores in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queso Ibores?
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 Ibores?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Queso Ibores uses goat.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queso Ibores?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Ibores?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queso Ibores?
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 Ibores made of?
Queso Ibores is made from goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days (100 days for "artesano" variety).
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queso Ibores?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.