Fontal Cheese vs San Simón da Costa Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while San Simón da Costa Cheese is semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes and made from cow 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 San Simón da Costa Cheese?
San Simón da Costa is a smoked cow's milk cheese from the Terra Chá region of Galicia, Spain. It is pressed into a pear shape, smoked over birch wood, and has held Protected Designation of Origin status since 2008.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | San Simón da Costa Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Terra Chá, Galicia, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Smooth, hard, waxy, brown, 1 to 3 mm thick |
| Aging | — | At least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days |
| Taste | — | Mild, slightly salty, smoky |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for San Simón da Costa Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and San Simón da Costa 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 Simón da Costa 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 Simón da Costa Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for San Simón da Costa Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like San Simón da Costa 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 Simón da Costa Cheese made of?
San Simón da Costa Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or San Simón da Costa Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.