CUCINA CIPOLETTI FAQS
PASTA FAQS
Why Can I Not Eat Gluten in the US, but in Italy, I’m Able to Eat Pizza and Pasta?
It’s not just because pasta in Italy is irresistible; there’s a scientific reason why you can tolerate gluten better when abroad! It has to do with how pasta is produced. Italian pastamakers’ slow food approach to their craft means that the gluten is less stressed, creating a more digestible product. Pasta in Italy is made in cold water with a slow mixing process, meaning the gluten is not stressed. The drying process of Italian pasta takes 3 to 4 days in low temperature, whereas industrial pasta factories dry the pasta in only 3 to 4 hours under high temperatures, which create pasta that’s harder for your body to digest.
These “slow” processes create smaller batches of much higher-quality pasta. According to artisanal pastamakers in Italy, the amount of pasta produced in 3 hours at a medium-scale industrial pasta factory is the same amount an Italian pastificio produces in an entire year.
Why Does Pasta Made in Italy Taste Better Than Pasta Made in the US?
It’s true — Italian pasta truly does taste better. In Italy, pastamaking is an art, and only the finest tools are used. Our pastas are “trafilata al bronzo,” a historical artisanal process of creating pasta shapes with bronze. The bronze gives the noodles a rough, porous texture, which allows them to absorb sauces.
The cheaper alternative, Teflon, is used by large-scale commercial pasta makers; nearly all pastas on the shelves of ordinary grocery stores are Teflon-cut. That’s why highly processed pasta looks smooth and shiny.
Why Is There Flour in My Box?
What you see may look like traditional flour, but it’s actually nutrient-packed durum wheat semolina. You might find some in your box of pasta because our products are handmade and handpacked by real people — the same ones who made it. Consider the remnants of semolina flour a little hello from a pastaio (pastamaker) in Italy.
Why Should I Pay a Premium for This Pasta?
Our premium-grade pasta is the right choice for your family’s health and their tastebuds. If that’s not enough, it’s also environmentally friendly, promotes the continuation of the ancient tradition of Italian pastamaking, and supports small, family-run businesses in the US and Italy.
Cucina Cipoletti pasta also packs incredible value. As an Italian-American family, we will never let you go hungry! Our serving sizes are generous: one box of spaghettoni generously feeds a family of 5! But if you’re cooking for one, you can easily divide up one pack and savor a week’s worth of delicious pasta.
What Are UNESCO-Protected Wheat Fields?
In Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, tradition isn’t just preserved—it’s deeply rooted in the land itself. Our pasta begins in the golden fields of Tuscany, where wheat is grown within UNESCO-protected landscapes, recognized for their historical, cultural, and agricultural significance.
This designation isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to preservation, sustainability, and responsible farming practices. These fields are cultivated under strict environmental and agricultural standards, ensuring that the land remains fertile, biodiverse, and free from industrial over-farming practices that can deplete soil quality. Unlike conventional wheat production, which often prioritizes high yields over quality, UNESCO-protected wheat fields emphasize long-term sustainability, regenerative farming techniques, and traditional cultivation methods that have been passed down for generations.
By choosing to source our durum wheat semolina from these exceptional fields, Cucina Cipoletti upholds a deep respect for Italy’s culinary heritage while delivering unparalleled quality to your table. Every bite of our pasta is a reflection of the land’s rich history, the expertise of local farmers, and a dedication to craftsmanship that ensures superior taste and texture.
What does UNESCO stand for, and why is it significant?
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Its mission is to promote the preservation of cultural and natural heritage that is of outstanding value to humanity. When a location or practice receives a UNESCO designation, it means it’s recognized as globally important and worthy of protection for future generations.
In the case of our pasta, the wheat used is grown in UNESCO-protected fields in Tuscany. This designation ensures that these agricultural practices respect the environment, honor centuries of tradition, and preserve the rich biodiversity of the region. It’s a guarantee that the land and its history are safeguarded while producing exceptional, sustainably sourced ingredients.
What Makes UNESCO-Protected Wheat Fields Special?
UNESCO-protected wheat fields in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia are more than just farmland—they represent centuries of agricultural heritage, biodiversity, and sustainable cultivation. These fields have been carefully maintained for generations, following time-honored farming practices that respect the natural landscape and preserve soil health without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
At Cucina Cipoletti, we have made a deliberate commitment to sourcing our durum wheat semolina from these protected lands, ensuring that every package of pasta reflects the highest agronomic standards while maintaining the rich, nutrient-dense soil that has defined this region’s wheat for centuries. Unlike industrially farmed wheat, which is often bred for mass yield at the expense of flavor and nutritional integrity, UNESCO-protected wheat is cultivated under strict sustainability guidelines that support biodiversity and maintain the purity of the grain.
By partnering with local farmers who uphold these traditional methods, we ensure that our pasta is not only of exceptional quality but also actively contributes to the preservation of Italy’s agricultural and cultural heritage. This means each bite of Cucina Cipoletti pasta carries the flavor, texture, and authenticity that can only come from wheat grown in one of the most carefully protected landscapes in the world.
It’s not just pasta—it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to the land that has nourished generations.
How does a UNESCO designation benefit the land and the product?
UNESCO protection safeguards the land from overdevelopment and harmful agricultural practices, ensuring it remains a thriving ecosystem. For you, the consumer, this means our pasta is made with ingredients that are not only sustainably sourced but also carry a rich history of cultivation and care. The wheat is a product of soil, sun, and hands that have worked together for generations to create something truly extraordinary.
Why is UNESCO important to Cucina Cipoletti’s story?
At Cucina Cipoletti, our commitment to quality goes beyond taste—it’s rooted in sustainability, tradition, and transparency. Sourcing with integrity is one of our core brand pillars, and we proudly adhere to EU organic standards, ensuring that every ingredient meets the highest agricultural and environmental criteria.
UNESCO’s mission to protect cultural and agricultural heritage aligns perfectly with our values. By sourcing durum wheat semolina from the UNESCO-protected fields of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, we ensure that our pasta is not only crafted with exceptional quality but also honors the legacy of Italian agriculture. This region, known for its fertile soil and centuries-old farming traditions, produces wheat that is carefully cultivated under strict sustainability practices, resulting in superior flavor, nutritional value, and purity.
Additionally, our pasta proudly bears the European Union organic logo, a mark of trust and authenticity. This certification ensures that our products meet rigorous EU organic standards, guaranteeing that they are grown, processed, transported, and stored according to strict agricultural and environmental regulations. To maintain full transparency, the EU organic logo must be accompanied by a control body code and the origin of agricultural raw materials, ensuring that consumers can trace the integrity of every ingredient back to its source.
For Cucina Cipoletti, this isn’t just about compliance—it’s a commitment to preserving the integrity of the land, the purity of our ingredients, and the timeless artistry of Italian pasta-making. With every bite, you’re tasting a product that upholds the highest standards of sustainability, tradition, and quality.
How is this pasta different from others?
It all starts with the wheat. Grown under the perfect conditions of Tuscany’s rolling hills, our durum wheat semolina is sustainably harvested to ensure the finest flavor and texture. Unlike many mass-produced pastas that use additives or additional ingredients, Cucina Cipoletti pasta is made with just two: wheat and water—keeping it pure, simple, and authentically Italian.
But the difference doesn’t stop there. Our pasta is bronze-cut, creating a slightly rough texture that allows sauces to cling beautifully to every bite. It’s then slow-dried at a low temperature, a process that takes significantly longer than industrial quick-drying methods. While many commercial pastas are dried rapidly at high heat, which can compromise flavor and texture, our traditional slow-drying process preserves the wheat’s natural aroma, enhances the pasta’s rich flavor, and ensures a perfectly firm, al dente bite.
The result? A pasta that isn’t just a base for a dish—it’s an experience. Rich in flavor, beautifully textured, and crafted with care, Cucina Cipoletti pasta brings the soul of Italian cooking to your table, one perfect bite at a time.
Why does Cucina Cipoletti choose producers in Tuscany?
Italy is known for its diverse culinary traditions, and Tuscany holds a special place in our hearts. From its breathtaking landscapes to its commitment to sustainable agriculture, Tuscany represents the soul of Italian cooking. By working with producers in this region, we’re able to bring you pasta that embodies the warmth, passion, and authenticity of Italian cuisine.
How does this pasta reflect Cucina Cipoletti’s values?
At Cucina Cipoletti, we believe in creating more than just meals—we create moments. Our pasta tells a story of heritage, intention, and connection. Partnering with producers who share our commitment to quality and tradition allows us to deliver pasta that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.
GENERAL FAQS
Are Your Products Organic?
Yes! Our pasta and olive oil are organic, or biologici, as they say in Italy.
How Do You Prioritize Environmental Sustainability?
Our products are organic, which includes the type of agriculture and processes used to grow and process the products. Because creating organic food means using natural substances and processes, organic farming has a limited environmental impact.
Additionally, our products are lovingly hand-packaged in eco-conscious materials.
Who Are the Cipolettis?
The Cipoletti family's Sunday Supper, a beloved weekly gathering, epitomizes the deep connection between food and family. In the heart of New York, Papa's special sauce and freshly made pasta serves as the centerpiece while friends and family unite around Grandma's table. This celebration is an expression of love through time-honored Italian recipes originating from the Cipoletti's’ ancestral city, Naples, and passed down through generations.
Jenny and Freddie, the founders of Cucina Cipoletti, discovered their shared love of the Italian spirit at one such Sunday Supper. The atmosphere, the aromas, the laughter, and the love instantly forged a connection that linked their cultural backgrounds. Freddie, a third-generation Neapolitan from New York, and Jenny, who spent her childhood summers on her mother’s Tuscan olive grove, realized they both long to preserve the rich flavors of Italy.
Driven by their passion for authentic Italian cuisine and through their years of travels spent in Italy, Jenny and Freddie created Cucina Cipoletti to bring the highest-quality, genuine Italian ingredients to their family pantry and, by extension, to families across the United States. Freddie's dedication to exceptional ingredients and farm-to-table flavors and Jenny's desire to share the tastes of her childhood with her own children in New York, has led them on a journey to find the perfect ingredients.
Who Are the Family Farmers Making Cucina Cipoletti Products?
Every Cucina Cipoletti product is sourced directly from family-owned farms and producers in Italy, known for their exceptional Italian staples.
How Do You Source Your Products in Italy?
With a commitment to tradition and quality, Cucina Cipoletti offers a meticulously selected range of products that captures the essence of Italy in every dining experience. Cucina Cipoletti products are personally selected by Jenny and Freddie in Italy, ensuring that only the finest ingredients are offered to their customers.
Do You Offer Subscriptions?
Yes! We offer subscriptions to receive our products every 2 or 4 weeks and you'll receive at least 10% off for being a subscriber. All subscriptions require at least 3 orders before you can modify or cancel them.
SHIPPING FAQS
How Long Does Shipping Take?
We typically fulfill orders within 3-5 business days of ordering and shipping takes 5-7 business days, depending on where you live. You will receive an email from ciao@cucinacipoletti.com once your order has been shipped out.
*Please check the product page before ordering to take note of any shipping delays or announcements!*
How Much Does Shipping Cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. We also offer free shipping on orders $150+ and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Exclusions apply on this offer as it only applies to orders within the United States and subscriptions are not included.
Do You Ship Internationally?
Not yet! Right now, we only ship within the United States and Canada, but we hope to be able to share Cucina Cipoletti with the rest of the world soon.
How Do I Change My Shipping Address?
We can only accommodate address changes within 24 hours of your order being placed and we ask that you please email ciao@cucinacipoletti.com so we can assist. For orders that have been shipped out already, please contact the shipping carrier to see if they can accommodate your request.
Where's My Package?
If your tracking information shows that your order has been delivered but you cannot find it, please email us within 2 days of your delivery date. After 5 days, we are unable to assist you and recommend that you contact the mail service who handled your package to file a missing package claim.
If you entered your address incorrectly and therefore do not receive your package, we are unable to send you a replacement or refund your purchase. Please ensure you are entering your information correctly.
How Do I Request A Return?
We do not offer refunds or exchanges since our food products are perishable. For any specific questions, please email ciao@cucinacipoletti.com with your order number and photo(s) of the products you received.
My Olive Oil Tin Was Dented In Transit - Can You Replace it?
Our organic extra virgin olive oil tins are carefully inspected and packaged to ensure they leave our facility in perfect condition. While we take every precaution, it’s important to note that tin packaging is fragile and can be prone to denting. Additionally, temperature and air pressure fluctuations during transit may cause the tins to indent, due to the natural expansion and contraction of the oil inside.
A dented tin is purely cosmetic and does not affect the quality of the oil. As such, we do not accept returns for minor dents, unless the tin is severely damaged or leaking. Ultimately, the quality of the oil inside is our primary focus, and we’re confident it will meet your expectations, no matter the condition of the packaging.