What is bronze die pasta?
Pasta dies are an essential tool used in pasta making to shape the pasta dough into different shapes and sizes. A pasta die is usually a cylindrical tool with a hollow core that has a specific shape and size of holes or slits cut into it. The pasta dough is forced through the holes or slits, forming the desired shape.
Pasta dies can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and bronze. Each material has both its advantages and disadvantages. However, bronze pasta dies are considered the gold standard in pasta making due to their ability to create pasta with a distinct rough texture that holds sauces well.
We are proud to use only bronze dies when it comes to making Waveney Mill pasta. We believe that by using bronze dies, our Great British pasta is not only authentic but delivers a superior taste and texture when it comes to pasta dishes.
What are bronze pasta dies?
Bronze pasta dies have a long history in pasta making and are highly valued by pasta enthusiasts for their ability to produce high-quality pasta. Bronze pasta dies are typically made from an alloy of copper and tin, and they have been used for pasta making for hundreds of years.
The first bronze pasta dies were likely developed in the late 18th century in the Italian town of Genoa, which was a major centre for pasta production at the time. Pasta makers found that bronze pasta dies produced pasta with a unique texture that held sauces well. This texture is achieved because the bronze surface is rough, which allows the pasta dough to grip onto it and create a rough texture.
Like Teflon or stainless-steel dies, bronze pasta dies work by forcing the pasta dough through a series of small holes or slots that are cut into the surface of the die. The holes or slots are typically arranged in a specific pattern that produces a particular pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli. As the dough is forced through the die, it is stretched and formed into the desired shape.
One of the primary advantages of using bronze pasta dies is that they create pasta with a distinct texture that holds sauces well. The rough texture of the pasta allows the sauce to cling to it, creating a more flavourful and satisfying dish.
Compared to other dies like stainless steel or Teflon-coated, bronze pasta dies are generally considered to be superior because they produce pasta with a superior texture. Stainless steel pasta dies, for example, are smoother than bronze dies, which can result in pasta that is slick and difficult for sauces to cling to. Plastic pasta dies are also smoother and can wear down more quickly than bronze dies, which can affect the quality of the pasta they produce.
What are the benefits of pasta made with bronze dies?
There are several reasons we specifically choose to extrude our pasta through bronze pasta dies, including:
Texture
One of the most significant advantages of using bronze pasta dies is the texture of the pasta they produce. The rough surface of the bronze die creates small ridges and imperfections on the pasta, which help the pasta hold on to sauces better. This texture also gives the pasta a unique mouthfeel, which many people find more enjoyable than pasta made with other types of dies.
Quality
Bronze pasta dies are known for producing high-quality pasta. The texture created by the bronze die allows the pasta to hold on to sauces better, which can make for a more flavourful dish. Additionally, because bronze pasta dies are often made by hand, they are generally of a higher quality than mass-produced pasta dies.
Why is bronze die pasta considered better than pasta made with Teflon or stainless steel dies?
When it comes to pasta making, bronze dies are seen as the “gold standard” over Teflon-coated, plastic or stainless-steel dies.
Because of the imperfections the bronze dies give the pasta shapes, sauces adhere much better than pasta extruded through other dies. As the rough texture can hold on to sauces better, it can make for a more flavourful dish. The sauce is more likely to stick to the pasta, which means that each bite of pasta will be coated in sauce. This can result in a more satisfying eating experience.
Many people associate bronze die pasta with traditional Italian pasta making, and prefer it for its authenticity. Bronze pasta dies have been used for centuries in Italy, and they are still used today by many artisanal pasta makers. Some people believe that using bronze dies is a key part of preserving the authenticity of Italian pasta making.
Together with the texture and flavour, bronze dies give Waveney Mill pasta a more rustic, homemade feel that many people find more enjoyable.
