Fontal Cheese vs Staffordshire Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy 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 Staffordshire Cheese?
Staffordshire Cheese is a raw cow's milk cheese from the county of Staffordshire, England, protected by a PDO. It is sold as cloth-wrapped cylinders of 8 to 10 kg and ranges from semi-hard to hard depending on how long it is matured.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Staffordshire Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Staffordshire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Staffordshire, England |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy |
| Rind | — | Cloth-bound |
| Aging | — | 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature) |
| Taste | — | Creamy, fresh, lactic |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Staffordshire Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Staffordshire Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Staffordshire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Cheese made of?
Staffordshire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Staffordshire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.