pasta, Semolina

Behind the pasta: Discovering the origins of our best-selling Cusumano penne

At Pasta Cusumano, we believe that great pasta starts with great ingredients, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for tradition. Our best-selling penne is a shining example of this philosophy, capturing the essence of both quality and authenticity in every bite. But behind each box of our penne lies a rich story—a journey that stretches across time, from the rolling wheat fields of Italy to the heart of your kitchen. Today, we invite you to take a closer look at the origins of our beloved Cusumano penne, exploring the process that makes this pasta not only a customer favorite but also a true embodiment of Italian culinary heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The roots of tradition: A Commitment to quality ingredients

 

Our journey begins in the golden wheat fields of southern Italy, where the foundation of our penne is cultivated with care. At Pasta Cusumano, we use only the highest quality durum wheat semolina, sourced from trusted local farmers who share our commitment to sustainability and tradition. This isn’t just about producing a product—it’s about honoring the land, the seasons, and the generations of Italian farmers who have worked these fields before us. The durum wheat used for our penne is known for its high gluten content and protein, which are essential for creating the firm texture and excellent “bite” that our customers love.

 

But it’s not just the wheat that makes our penne stand out. Our water source is equally important, drawn from pristine mountain springs that flow near our production site. The purity of this water plays a crucial role in the mixing process, contributing to the dough’s elasticity and helping to achieve the perfect pasta consistency. This careful balance of ingredients ensures that every penne has the ideal texture to hold onto sauces, whether you’re making a rich Bolognese or a light primavera.

 

We also take great pride in using traditional bronze dies to shape our penne, a method that gives the pasta its signature rough texture. While modern Teflon dies produce a smoother pasta, the bronze dies create tiny ridges on the surface of each penne, allowing it to absorb sauces more effectively. The result? A mouthful of rich, flavorful pasta in every bite, whether you’re enjoying a simple tomato sauce or a more elaborate dish. It’s a subtle difference, but one that sets our penne apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The art of Pasta-Making: Tradition meets innovation

 

Once our durum wheat and water have been combined, the pasta-making process truly begins. At Pasta Cusumano, we blend time-honored techniques with modern innovation to create our best-selling penne. After the dough is shaped into its familiar cylindrical form, it undergoes a slow drying process—one of the most critical steps in preserving the pasta’s quality. Unlike mass-produced pasta that’s often dried quickly at high temperatures, our penne is dried slowly over 24 to 48 hours at low temperatures. This traditional method ensures that the pasta retains its nutrients, flavor, and firm texture, while also making it easier to cook al dente.

 

But while we embrace tradition, we also recognize the importance of modern technology in ensuring consistent quality. Our state-of-the-art facility allows us to monitor every step of the pasta-making process with precision, ensuring that each batch of penne meets our high standards. Yet, even with the help of technology, our pasta is still crafted with care by expert artisans who understand the delicate nuances of dough and how it responds to time and temperature. This marriage of old-world craftsmanship and modern precision is what makes Cusumano penne truly exceptional.

 

 

When you choose Cusumano penne, you’re not just buying pasta—you’re supporting a legacy of Italian craftsmanship that dates back generations. From our commitment to high-quality ingredients to our dedication to traditional pasta-making methods, every detail matters in delivering a product that our customers love. So, the next time you cook with Cusumano penne, remember the journey that brought it to your table—an authentic, artisanal process rooted in tradition but perfected for the modern kitchen. Buon appetito!

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