◆ Appearances: When Shopping for pasta look for a golden-amber color (a sign of good quality wheat) versus whitish, reddish or grayish shades. Pasta that adheres to high-quality standards should also have fewer specs (black/dark spots) or impurities.
◆ Bite: Good pasta should cook “al dente” every time for the best meal experience. “Al dente” means “to the tooth”, i.e. the finished pasta should be firm when ready to beaten.
◆ Water color: Pasta made with the highest-quality durum wheat should not release a lot of starch into the cooking water. Make sure the cooking water is clear and not cloudy - an indicator that excess starch is being released, which usually results in sticky, clumpy pasta.
◆ Doesn't break, clump or stick: Pasta made with the highest-quality durum wheat should not break, clump or stick while cooking. Serve immediately to ensure the best meal experience.
◆ Elasticity: Pasta, particularly long cuts, should be springy and lively, not limp, and should always hold its shape.
