The Ultimate Guide to Pasta: Cheap vs. Expensive

Introduction

The pasta aisle at grocery stores has become overwhelming, with options ranging from $1 to over $9 per box. This raises the question: is expensive pasta actually worth it? To answer this, we'll explore three key areas:

1. How dried pasta is made
2. The flavor profile of pasta
3. Whether expensive pasta is worth the price

How Dried Pasta is Made

At its core, dried pasta made from semolina durum wheat consists of:

• 74% carbohydrates
• 12.5% protein
• 12% water
• 1% fat
• 0.5% vitamins and minerals

When cooked, pasta absorbs 1.5 to 2 times its weight in water, affecting its texture.

Four Key Variables in Pasta Production

1. Wheat type
2. Pasta shape
3. Extrusion die type (Teflon vs. Bronze)
4. Drying process

The Pasta-Making Process

1. Wheat Selection: Durum wheat is preferred for its aroma, color, and high gluten protein content. The source of the wheat can vary from cheap global producers to premium Italian varieties.

2. Dough Mixing: Semolina flour is mixed with water (30-35% hydration).

3. Extrusion and Cutting: The dough is forced through dies to create various shapes. Dies can be made of Teflon (smoother texture, faster production) or bronze (rougher texture, slower production).

4. Drying Process: Pasta is dried in phases to reduce moisture levels. Modern methods use high heat (185°F) for a few hours, while traditional slow-drying occurs at lower temperatures (100-140°F) over 1-6 days.

5. Packaging and Distribution: The final product is packaged and sent to market.

The Flavor of Pasta

Pasta flavor can be broken down into three main components:

1. Taste
2. Aroma
3. Texture

Taste

Pasta has a relatively neutral taste. In a blind taste test with various price points, there was no significant difference in taste when the nose was plugged. The importance of salting pasta water becomes evident, as it's one of the few ways to enhance the pasta's taste directly.

Aroma

While there are subtle differences in aroma between pasta made from different wheat varieties, these differences are often masked by the strong aromatic ingredients typically added to pasta dishes (garlic, herbs, cheeses, etc.).

Texture

Texture is perhaps the most important factor when choosing pasta. There are three key elements to consider:

1. Pasta Shape: The shape of the pasta significantly impacts the eating experience and how it pairs with different sauces.

2. Cooked Pasta Texture: The cooking time greatly affects the pasta's texture. Personal preference plays a big role here, with some preferring firmer "al dente" pasta and others enjoying a softer texture.

3. Sauce Texture: The texture of the sauce and how it coats the pasta is crucial for the overall dish.

Is Expensive Pasta Worth It?

After considering all factors, here's a breakdown of whether expensive pasta is worth the investment:

Benefits of Cheaper Pasta

• You can still make excellent pasta dishes with inexpensive pasta.
• Understanding fundamental pasta cooking techniques (proper salting, cooking times, sauce pairing) accounts for about 80% of a great pasta dish.

Benefits of More Expensive Pasta

1. Texture: Bronze-cut pasta often provides a more satisfying bite and chew.
2. Unique Shapes: Higher-end pastas offer a wider variety of shapes, allowing for more diverse dishes.
3. Subtle Aroma Differences: While minor, there can be noticeable differences in aroma, especially in simpler dishes where the pasta flavor is more prominent.

Recommendations

1. For Everyday Cooking: Cheaper pasta varieties are perfectly fine, especially for dishes with robust sauces.
2. For Special Occasions: Consider splurging on higher-end pasta for dishes where the pasta is the star, like cacio e pepe or aglio e olio.
3. Experiment with Whole Wheat: Don't overlook whole wheat pasta, which offers a unique earthy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

Conclusion

While expensive pasta can offer some benefits in texture and variety, the difference in taste and aroma is often subtle. The key to great pasta dishes lies more in proper cooking techniques and sauce pairing than in the price of the pasta itself. Ultimately, the choice between cheap and expensive pasta depends on personal preference, budget, and the specific dish being prepared.

Remember, great pasta dishes are achievable with any price point - it's the cook's skill and understanding of flavors that truly makes the difference.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onn-dl86p70