Fontal Cheese vs Xynotyro Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Xynotyro Cheese is hard, whey 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 Xynotyro Cheese?
Xynotyro is an unpasteurized Greek whey cheese made from sheep's milk or goat's milk. It is hard and flaky, with a pungent aroma and a sweet and sour taste close to yogurt.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Xynotyro Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Xynotyro Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Xynotyro Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Xynotyro Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Greece |
| Milk Type | Cow | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard, whey |
| Aging | — | Fresh or 3 months |
| Taste | — | Burnt caramel, sour, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Xynotyro Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Xynotyro Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Xynotyro Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Xynotyro 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 Xynotyro Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Xynotyro Cheese comes from Greece. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Xynotyro Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Xynotyro Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Xynotyro Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Xynotyro 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 Xynotyro Cheese made of?
Xynotyro Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or 3 months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Xynotyro Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.