Pancetta is a type of salumi or cured pork product that originates from Italy. It is made from pork belly that is salt-cured, meaning that the meat is treated with a liberal amount of sea salt, spices, and seasonings for curing, making it safe to eat. Pancetta is not smoked, unlike bacon, which is also made from pork belly. Pancetta is often used to add depth to soups and pastas in Italian cuisine. It can be cut into cubes and used like bacon, sautéed with onions or garlic to form the base of a soup, risotto, or pasta. Pancetta can also be served as a sliced meat, sliced thin and eaten raw. The rolled type of pancetta is typical of northern Italy, while the flattened type is typical of central and southern Italy. Pancetta can be used interchangeably with bacon in dishes, depending on whether or not you want a smoky flavor. The FDA regulates that a cured meat product can only be labeled "cured" if the manufacturer adds nitrites to it. "Uncured" meat like the Boars Head Pancetta, generally has celery juice/salt in it which naturally contains nitrates.