Fontal Cheese vs Queso de Valdeón
Fontal Cheese
Queso de Valdeón
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queso de Valdeón is low elasticity, crumbly, melts in the mouth and made from cow, goat, and 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 Queso de Valdeón?
Queso de Valdeón is a Spanish blue cheese made in Posada de Valdeón, in the northeast of León province. It holds PGI status and is known for a very intense blue flavor that stays less biting than that of its cousin Cabrales.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queso de Valdeón?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Queso de Valdeón (Spain)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Queso de Valdeón (Cow’s, or a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Queso de Valdeón | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Posada De Valdeón, León |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s, or a mix of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Low elasticity, crumbly, melts in the mouth |
| Rind | — | Natural, thin, yellowish-gray |
| Aging | — | Minimum 2 months (raw milk), 1 month (pasteurized milk) |
| Taste | — | Intense, salty, piquant, lightly ardent |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queso de Valdeón?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso de Valdeón?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Queso de Valdeón in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queso de Valdeón?
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 Queso de Valdeón?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Queso de Valdeón comes from Spain. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Queso de Valdeón uses cow, goat, and sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queso de Valdeón?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso de Valdeón?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queso de Valdeón?
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 Queso de Valdeón made of?
Queso de Valdeón is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum 2 months (raw milk), 1 month (pasteurized milk). It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queso de Valdeón?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.