This is cheeky meat; it looks like bacon, in tastes similar to bacon, but it's NOT bacon. Guanciale is made from the fatty and tender tissues of the jowl or cheek of pigs. Guancia come from the Italian word for 'cheek'.
Because Guanciale is very close to bacon and pancetta, you can substitute one for the other, but you will experience that Guanciale is usually fatter with more flavor due to the herbs and thus a perfect choice for Pasta Carbonara.
This Guanciale Americano is made by Iowa-based La Quercia. They dry cure it in salt, pepper and rosemary for a minimum of 6 weeks, which gives it a strong flavor. This meat can be eaten cooked and uncooked. Slice it or cube it with a sharp knife.
La Quercia's meats are made from ABF (antibioctic-free) and hormone free pork raised humanely.
Ingredients:pork, sea salt, spices.