Fontal Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No. Fontal Cheese and Queijo São Jorge are distinct cheeses from Italy and Portugal respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Queijo São Jorge, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Fontal Cheese

Queijo São Jorge

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Queijo São Jorge
Country of Origin	Italy	Portugal
Specific Origin	Italy	Island Of São Jorge, Azores
Milk Type	Cow	Cow
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard
Rind	—	Natural
Aging	—	Minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions
Taste	—	Peppery, grassy

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Queijo São Jorge can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

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 São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.