To Ilocanos, their very own native vinegar or the locally known sukang iloko is one of the many staple cuisine products primarily because of its role in the Ilocano culture and history, particularly as their food condiment or food preservative. Sukang iloko, which is made from the naturally fermented sugar canes, has a strong, acidic scent and turbid color quality distinctive of other vinegars. Its unique taste complements mouth-watering delicacies such as adobo, paksiw, longganisa, and a perfect match for empanada. Filipinos love the sour flavor, or asim, that vinegar introduces to food. Its use in preparing food has also been traced back all the way to pre-colonial eras where it was used as a preservative to make prepared dishes last longer-hence it being a main ingredient in preparing a national favorite known for holding up well for hours, adobo. Vinegar is used for marinating, braising, pickling, and for making dipping sauces for bar chow, or pulutan. Filipinos also use it to make kinilaw, or raw fish tossed in vinegar to make a ceviche.