Fontal Cheese vs Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens and made from cow, goat, or sheep 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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Tomme des Pyrénées is a mild pressed cheese from the French Pyrenees, made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its supple paste, slightly salty taste, and the black or gold wax skin that covers many wheels.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Cow's milk, goat's milk, mixed milk (cow's milk with ewe's milk or goat's milk, goat's milk with ewe's milk))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | French Side Of The Pyrenees |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk, goat's milk, mixed milk (cow's milk with ewe's milk or goat's milk, goat's milk with ewe's milk) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Heat-treated or raw |
| Texture | — | Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens |
| Rind | — | Orange with hints of white, yellow, or grey; black or gold coating for heat-treated milk cheeses |
| Aging | — | Minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type |
| Taste | — | Varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées 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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tomme des Pyrénées 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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese made of?
Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (heat-treated or raw), using coagulating enzyme (not limited to animal rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.