Fontal Cheese vs Tronchon Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tronchon Cheese is semi-firm and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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 Tronchon Cheese?
Tronchon is a Spanish cheese from sheep's milk, goat's milk or a mix of the two, typical of Teruel and Castellón and southern Tarragona. It is known for its trunk-like shape with crater-shaped hollows in the side and its intense, buttery flavor.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Tronchon Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Tronchon Cheese (Spain)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Tronchon Cheese (sheep's, goat's, or a blend of the two)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Tronchon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Teruel And Castellón Provinces And Southern Tarragona, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep's, goat's, or a blend of the two |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-firm |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | At least 90 days for hard versions, less for soft |
| Taste | — | Intense, oily and buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Tronchon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Tronchon Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Tronchon Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Tronchon 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 Tronchon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Tronchon Cheese comes from Spain. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Tronchon Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Tronchon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tronchon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tronchon 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 Tronchon Cheese made of?
Tronchon Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 90 days for hard versions, less for soft. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tronchon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.