Etag is the traditional method of preserving pork in the Cordillera region. It involves curing a large pork slice in salt for a week or more, followed by air-drying or smoking for weeks or even months. The preferred wood for smoking is alnos, which imparts a pleasant smoky flavor, but guava wood and leaves can be used as substitutes. The longer the curing and drying, the tastier and pricier the etag becomes. Etag may have a foul odor and maggots due to fly exposure, but it's safe to eat after ri