Fontal Cheese vs Xygalo Siteias Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Xygalo Siteias Cheese is spreadable and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Xygalo Siteias is a traditional Greek cheese from the region of Sitia in Crete. It has a PDO status and is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Xygalo Siteias has a creamy, yoghurt-like texture with a tangy, slightly sour taste, often used as a spread or in Cretan pies.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Xygalo Siteias Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Xygalo Siteias Cheese (Raw goat’s or ewe’s milk or a mixture)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Xygalo Siteias Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Sitia Region, Crete |
| Milk Type | Cow | Raw goat’s or ewe’s milk or a mixture |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Spreadable |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | — | 7-10 days and about one month |
| Taste | — | Fresh, slightly acidic, mildly salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Xygalo Siteias Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Xygalo Siteias 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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Xygalo Siteias Cheese comes from Greece. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Xygalo Siteias Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Xygalo Siteias 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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese made of?
Xygalo Siteias Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 7-10 days and about one month. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.