Gragnano pasta is one of the most renowned Italian products. Many consider it the best Italian pasta on the market. In October 2013, it received the European product designation. IGP (Protected Geographical Indication).
Originating exclusively from the municipality of Gragnano, located in the province of Naples, this type of pasta has been produced since the late 1861th century. Then, in XNUMX, Pasta di Gragnano reached the pinnacle of its success, becoming the largest producer in the world at the time.
A few decades earlier, King Ferdinand II granted the Gragnanesi the privilege of supplying pasta to the entire Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Since then, Gragnano has become the "city of macaroni."
Gragnano Pasta: Characteristics and Types
It's obviously made from milled durum wheat, like any other type of pasta. The key factor that differentiates it from all others is, without a doubt, the ingredients used in the dough.
However, these are the basic ingredients: durum wheat semolina and water. Many believe that the true secret to the quality of this pasta lies in the type of water used, which comes exclusively from the local aquifer.
In fact, it can only be produced in the aforementioned municipality, even though the aquifer also flows through some neighboring municipalities.
The types of pasta that are produced are:
- Handmade;
- Bronze drawn;
- Laminated;
- Baked;
- At Nest.
The most popular types of pasta are the rougher and more porous ones, although both smooth and ridged pasta are produced. The former is prized for its lightness, the latter for its remarkable ability to hold sauces well.
Nutritional values
As far as nutritional values are concerned, it absolutely meets some standards imposed by the PGI designation.
Per 100 g of dry product, the energy value must be 1486 kJ. It must also contain 350 kcal, 13 g of carbohydrates, and 73 g of fat. The ash content must not exceed 1 g per 100 g, and must be absolutely 0,86%.
If you follow the renowned and beneficial Mediterranean Diet, Gragnano Pasta is probably the best choice. It offers the right nutritional values, and above all, it guarantees a flavor and goodness unlike any other.
Production areas
As previously stated, Gragnano pasta can only be produced in the municipality of the same name in the province of Naples. This type of pasta cannot be sold if produced in any factory outside of Gragnano.
Currently, the Municipality of Gragnano has over 30 certified pasta factories, authorized to produce this exceptional Italian pasta. A true symbol of Made in Italy.
