Guanciale is produced with whole pork cheeks. It is rubbed with salt, sugar, and spices (typically ground black pepper, thyme or fennel and sometimes garlic) and cured for three weeks. Its flavor is stronger & richer than other pork products, such as pancetta, and its texture is more delicate & silky. Upon cooking, the fat typically melts away giving great depth of flavor to the dishes and sauces it is used in.