Strascinati - Pastificio Italyca
The Organic Strascinati from Pastificio Italyca represent a sensory journey through time, bringing to the table the ancient and skilful gesture of Lucanian homemakers who shaped pasta with firm pressure from their fingers. This iconic shape, which takes its name from the action of "dragging" the pasta across a rough surface, is reinterpreted here using exclusively 100% Italian organic durum wheat semolina. Production takes place in the heart of the village of Grottole, a hilltop town in the province of Matera where the culture of cereal farming is a centuries-old heritage passed down from generation to generation.
The process begins with a rigorous selection of grains, cultivated according to organic farming principles that exclude the use of pesticides and synthetic chemical fertilizers. This approach ensures a raw material that retains the natural structure and amber colour of cereals ripened under the sun of Basilicata. The dough is slowly processed at controlled temperatures to avoid stressing the semolina, then passed through specially designed bronze dies that reproduce the distinctive irregular texture of the original handmade pasta. The surface of the strascinati is therefore rough and porous, an essential characteristic for capturing meat sauces, wild vegetables or the famous cruschi peppers.
The slow drying phase is managed with the utmost care inside static drying chambers, where the pasta rests for an extended period at consistently low temperatures. This method simulates the natural ventilation of the Matera hills, avoiding the thermal shock typical of large-scale industrial production. This patient production process makes it possible to achieve impeccable cooking resistance and an elastic texture when bitten, while preserving the original aromas of the wheat. Once cooked, the pasta releases an intense and genuine fragrance, a distinctive sign of an artisanal product that respects its raw material.
The local heritage of Grottole further enhances the value of this pasta: the village, known for its medieval castle, is where the Gustolibero Social Cooperative has chosen to invest in civic renewal and dignified employment. Choosing Italyca strascinati means supporting a solidarity-based economic project that values people and helps counter the depopulation of small towns in Southern Italy. Every stage, from milling to manual packaging, is rigorously monitored to ensure excellence that respects the region's gastronomic identity and consumer food safety.
Supply chain transparency and compliance with the highest organic standards ensure a food that celebrates biodiversity and national agricultural purity. The versatility of this pasta shape makes it a star of Sunday tables, capable of supporting rich sauces or enhancing the simplicity of a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serving Pastificio Italyca strascinati means bringing a piece of the history of Basilicata to the table, where the excellence of Made in Italy blends with a love for its roots and a vision of a sustainable and inclusive rural future.
