Organic Calamarata – Pastificio Italyca
The Organic Calamarata from Pastificio Italyca represents one of the finest expressions of Lucanian pasta-making tradition, produced in the evocative setting of the Grottole hills, in the province of Matera. This shape, which takes its name from its visual resemblance to squid rings, is made from a carefully selected organic durum wheat semolina, cultivated according to standards that exclude the use of synthetic substances. The choice of raw material is the first pillar of Italyca quality: only Italian wheat from a controlled supply chain is used, delivering to the palate the authentic fragrance of grain ripened under the southern Italian sun. The result is a pasta with a naturally amber-yellow color and an intense aroma that emerges from the very first moments of cooking.
The production process follows the principles of artisanal craftsmanship, where technology is always placed at the service of sensory quality. The bronze-die extrusion stage is essential for giving Calamarata its rough, matte surface, a distinctive characteristic of premium pasta. This porosity is not merely an aesthetic detail but a functional property that allows the pasta to capture and retain sauces, creating a harmonious bond between the seasoning and the starchy structure. The pasta then undergoes slow drying at carefully monitored temperatures that are never excessively high. This patient method ensures the stability of proteins and starches, preserving the elasticity of the grain structure and guaranteeing an impeccable cooking resistance, an essential quality for the most discerning palates.
One of the most interesting features of this shape is its versatility: although it was originally created to accompany seafood sauces, Pastificio Italyca’s Calamarata lends itself to creative interpretations thanks to its substantial structure. Its texture, defined by its firm bite, also makes it an excellent choice for vegetarian recipes based on legumes or vegetable creams. The producer’s story is closely connected to Basilicata, a region with a millenary cereal-growing tradition. Choosing Italyca means supporting a producer that has invested in organic agriculture and transparency, offering a product that has not undergone industrial thermal stress. Each pack embodies the commitment of a company dedicated to protecting the local gastronomic heritage, offering a pasta capable of transforming a simple meal into a rich sensory experience filled with aromatic and textural nuances.
