For many, it may seem trivial, but when choosing between fresh pasta and dry pasta, there are many factors to consider that distinguish these two products. Not just the shapes, but also the raw ingredients, cooking times, calories, and much more. Keep reading to discover the differences between fresh and dry pasta and how to choose the right product for different occasions.
All the Differences Between Fresh and Dry Pasta
Let’s start with the basics. While fresh pasta needs to be stored in the refrigerator, dry pasta can be kept in the pantry (usually for a much longer period). This distinction is determined by the raw ingredients and the production processes.
Fresh pasta is typically made with a mix of soft wheat flour and durum wheat semolina, often with added eggs, whereas dry pasta consists only of water and durum wheat semolina.
Fresh pasta, whether homemade or produced in a workshop, is rolled out with a rolling pin or a pasta sheeter, while dry pasta is extruded through dies made of bronze or Teflon and then goes through a drying process that removes moisture and makes it shelf-stable.
This brings us to another important difference between fresh and dry pasta. Fresh pasta retains a significant percentage of moisture, while dry pasta is almost completely dry. The consequence is a different shelf life, as higher moisture levels increase the potential for bacterial growth.
Next, let’s talk about calories. It may surprise you, but fresh pasta is actually lower in calories than dry pasta. Fresh pasta contains around 270 kcal per 100 g, while dry pasta reaches about 350 kcal per 100 g. This is mainly due to the higher moisture content in fresh pasta (which increases the weight but not the calories!).
Cooking times: both fresh and dry pasta are cooked in boiling salted water (or broth), but since dry pasta needs to rehydrate, it takes longer to cook.
So, who wins the battle between dry and fresh pasta? In reality, no one does—but here at Pasta Fresca Rossi, of course, we favor our specialty: fresh pasta! Discover all our pasta shapes and get cooking right away.