Fontal Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Fontal Cheese
San Michali Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), San Michali Cheese (Greece)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | — | At least four months |
| Taste | — | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and San Michali Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while San Michali Cheese comes from Greece.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.