INASINAN

“It gives me a hint on how healthy and tasty the food was on the early days and
the smell of its smokiness and the grassiness salivates me.”
Inasinan or smoked wild pig in the olden times according to my grandmother is a
preservation done on the leftover meat from hunting, through rubbing it with salt and
storing it in an earthen jar for a few days then hanging it to dry under the sun or in a fire
place. This drying process affects the meat differently. If in a fire place a special type of
firewood is used (alnos) because the smell from this certain type of wood enhances the
flavor of the inasinan in a different smoky way. However, if through sun drying there will
be no smoky flavor.
Regarding the taste wherein I have eaten it several times already and I can
say that it is the tastiest pork I ever tasted, it cannot be compared to any kind of ham or
bacon or barbeque. The smokiness reminds me of the arduous process of making it and
the grassy taste reminds me of how clean and natural it is. The meat is tender and a bit
salty making it a perfect combo with rice. The skin and the fat have the most glorious
taste it was as if I am eating food full of flavorings in one bite. The broth was wonderful
perfect for the icy weather in Barlig. Though, if you are sensitive with food smell and the
pig's hair on the skin this will not be your taste buds and your nose’s friend.
On the other hand, it is best when cooked and eaten at least for me with
vegetables like chayote, green papaya, carrots or potato because this vegetable does
not have any effects on the taste instead it absorbs some flavors making these veggies
tastier though it is also good with cabbage, wombok and puso ng saging. I also
recommend it with the juice of lemon and chili (labuyo), the sourness of the lemon adds
up to the taste and the aroma incredibly, while the labuyo smeared on the broth will kick
you a bit and increase the appetite. A serving of this inasinan with these vegetables,
rice, and labuyo are enough to make you full until the next meal (yum! Salivating
already haha!).
As for our family, traditionally we only eat inasinan if we are complete. This
food brings us together despite the differences in schedules. Eating this for us signifies
happiness and appreciation for our heritage. Inasinan personally means a feast for me,
a time where every one of us eats until our stomachs burst, where daily routines are
broken and everyone is just happy sharing stories and eating and drinking.
Though this food is not available all year round eating this once in a while with
loved ones on a cold rainy day will make you forget about your worries for a bit. And
surely, you will appreciate nature more and its amazing wonders.