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What is durum semolina? [Back to Top]
 To ensure that our pasta is of excellent quality and tender in texture, durum
semolina flour is used. It is made from protein-rich durum wheat, which is then broken down further to make semolina granules that are mixed into the pasta
dough with water. Durum semolina is essential in our pasta producing process.
How long can dried pasta be stored? [
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As long as the packaged pasta is kept in a dry place, unopened, it will last
for several years. A common acclaim of pasta is in fact, its durability. Once the package is opened, it should be tightly resealed and placed in a cool, dry place away from any other foods that may spoil. Is there an ideal way to cook Unico pasta? [Back to Top
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We generally recommend that 4 liters of water be used for every 450 grams of pasta to ensure that the pasta is cooked consistently. Once the water
boils, add the pasta and stir occasionally until your pasta of choice reaches a desired tenderness. Salt may be added to the boiling water and can also help
to prevent the water from 'boiling over'. Once the pasta has reached a desired tenderness, drain it in a colander and place it on a warm platter. The rest is up to you! Can oil be added to the water while the pasta is cooking? [Back to Top
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We recommend that oil not be added to the water while the pasta is cooking because it prevents the sauce from coating the pasta when it is later
served. However, if you are worried about your pasta sticking during the cooking process, a drop of oil may be added to the water. What does "al dente" mean anyway? [Back to Top
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Literally translated from Italian, "al dente" means "to the tooth". It is used to describe pasta that is cooked for a shorter period of time, resulting in pasta
that is firm but still tender. Most Italians argue that this is the only way to properly enjoy pasta! What is the difference between Unico's lasagna and oven-ready lasagna? [Back to Top
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Regular lasagna noodles require pre-cooking before they are used in a casserole. Oven-ready lasagna noodles are quicker to prepare and can be
added to your recipe straight from the package; they cook in the sauce while your casserole is in the oven. Which one you use depends on the amount of time that you have to prepare your dish! What is the major difference between pasta and noodles? [Back to Top
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Pasta is made from durum semolina flour and water; noodles are made from ordinary flour, water, and eggs to develop their firm texture.
Do canned beans need to be rinsed before they are used?
[Back to Top]
Whether or not the beans require rinsing depends on the recipe that you
are using, so be sure to check instructions. If the beans are being served alone, you may want to rinse them to remove the liquid and starch that coat the beans when they are canned.
How long can I store dried beans? [Back to Top
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Exposure to sunlight can dehydrate beans and prevent them from softening when cooked. When stored correctly, dried beans can last indefinitely.
I've heard that beans offer many health benefits. What are some of them? [Back to Top]
According to The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition, beans are high in folic acid, which protects against birth defects and some forms of cancer in women. Beans are also excellent sources of iron, which encourage the proper development of red blood cells and other bodily tissues. The fiber in beans can prevent illnesses such as colon cancer and heart disease. The health benefits of beans are only an added bonus to their taste.
How do I cook dried beans?
[Back to Top]
Before cooking dried beans, rinse and discard any debris or stones. Bring water to a rapid boil and then add the beans. Bring the water to a boil again and then reduce the heat to very low until tender. Beans are fully cooked when a fork can mash them.
Should I soak my beans?
[Back to Top]
Presoaking beans shortens their cooking time by about 30 minutes.
What should I look for when buying dry beans?
[Back to Top]
Good beans are smooth and bright. Old beans have cracked seams, and are dull and wrinkled. The older the beans, the longer they take to cook.
What is the measure of dry beans vs. cooked?
[Back to Top]
1 cup of dry beans = 2. 5 cups cooked beans
What are the primary differences between "Extra Virgin," "Extra Light" and "Pure" varieties of olive oil?
[Back to Top]
The major differences between types of olive oil lie in acidic levels and the unique qualities associated with each of the varieties.
Extra Virgin
olive oil is considered to be the finest grade of olive oil. Its flavor
is fruity and aromatic with rich depth. Its fine quality is attributed to the fact that it is made from the finest olives and obtained from the first pressing of the fruit.
This type of olive oil is used mainly for its flavor and is enjoyable in many dishes, even without cooking. Its acid content is no more than 1 gram per 100 grams.Extra Light
olive oil does not refer to fat grams but to overall flavor. This variety of olive oil is mild in flavor and can be used as an excellent substitute for
other oils, such as corn or sunflower. Its acid content is no more than 1.5 grams per 100 grams. Pure olive oil is excellent for all cooking purposes and a great addition to
sauces or salads. It is a milder tasting version of Extra Virgin olive oil and tends to fall under a "medium" olive oil category. It also has an acid content of no more than 1.5 grams per 100 grams. My olive oil is cloudy. Does this mean it has spoiled?
[Back to Top]
Olive oil often becomes cloudy and translucent when it is kept in the
fridge or another cool place. Simply place your olive oil on the counter where it can reach room temperature and it should return to its usual appearance. The
most obvious signs of spoiled olive oil are taste and aroma; its appearance is rarely affected.
I've heard a lot about vegetable oils and their fat content. How do vegetable oils like canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil measure up? [Back to Top
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Though oil is technically fat, no matter how you look at it, vegetable oils do
have benefits. Vegetable oils and related products do not contain cholesterol like animal fats and actually help to lower blood cholesterol and risks of heart
disease. They can do this because their ratio of polyunsaturated fats to saturated fats is greater. Even though vegetable oils have benefits, consuming
them in large quantities is not a great idea. Use a small amount everyday and your chances of benefiting from them will be greater!
What is Vegetable Oils? [Back to Top
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Vegetable oil is any oil product derived from a plant (fruits, vegetables, etc.). Some oils, such as sunflower oil and peanut oil, are pressed from seeds, while others are extracted from leaves and roots.
How long can Unico pasta sauces and pizza sauces be kept in the fridge after opening? [Back to Top
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As long as the sauce is kept in an airtight container and placed in the fridge, it should retain its quality for 2-3 days. What makes Unico Premium Collection canned tomatoes different from other canned tomatoes? [Back to Top
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Specially selected Roma tomatoes are produced for Unico. Unico Premium tomatoes are canned in their own rich puree, unlike other
tomatoes that are canned in juice. The added thickness of the puree proves to be a notable choice for hearty sauces and stews. What are some of the nutritional benefits of tomatoes? [Back to Top]
The tomato is a wonderful fruit…or is it vegetable? Regardless, tomatoes are low in calories, low in fat, low in sodium, high in vitamins A and C, and cholesterol-free. What an easy way to add a little nutrition to your life! Are canned diced tomatoes suitable for dishes, like bruschetta, that
normally require fresh tomatoes? [Back to Top]
When it comes to dishes like bruschetta, canned tomatoes make an
excellent substitute and can add even more flavor than fresh tomatoes. Just drain them and prepare your dish (think of the chopping time you will save)! Next time try using canned diced tomatoes in your favorite pasta or rice salad.
What type of tomatoes does Unico use?
[Back to Top]
In the trade, varieties used for Unico are referred to as square round and have been developed from the Roma tomatoes grown in Italy. They are coreless, very pulpy and highly viscous which makes them excellent for whole tomatoes, sauces, and paste. In addition, these tomatoes are steam-peeled which results in top quality, environmentally friendly products.
What is the difference between balsamic vinegar and regular wine vinegar? [Back to Top]
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Our balsamic vinegar is made from cooked grape juice that is monitored through a slow vinegarization process and left to age in wood casks for a
minimum of 4 years. This process accounts for the high price of balsamic vinegar, when compared to other vinegars. Balsamic is a deep brown color with a notable aroma and a rich, syrup-like consistency. Regular wine vinegar is made from pressed grape juice that is matured at a faster pace than balsamic vinegar; it is a lighter color and a more fluid consistency.
How is Italian rice different from Long Grain rice? [Back to Top]
Italian rice has a short grain and is stickier when cooked; Long Grain rice has a long grain and should not be sticky unless it is overcooked. Italian rice is excellent in risotto and creamy rice dishes. Long Grain rice is a sure choice for salads and side dishes. I've heard that olives should be rinsed before they are eaten. Is this true? [Back to Top
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Though olives are perfectly fine to consume straight from the jar, we recommend that you rinse them under cool water before serving. This removes
most of the brine and sodium that coat the olive and can take away from the actual flavor. If you are watching your sodium intake rinsing is a must.
What is the difference between a green olive & a black olive?
[Back to Top]
They are one in the same, a green olive turns black as it ripens.
How many varieties of olive trees are there?
[Back to Top]
There are hundreds of varieties throughout the world.
How old are the trees before they start bearing fruit?
[Back to Top]
Fruit production begins about three years after planting and the first commercial crop arrives in the fourth year.
What is the lifespan of an olive tree?
[Back to Top]
Olive trees will live and produce fruit for well over a thousand years.
How should I store Unico marinades? What do I do with the liquid? [Back to Top
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After opening, place them in the fridge, tightly sealed, until you are ready to serve them again. Upon serving the marinades, drain the liquid but reserve it
so that you may put the leftover marinade back in the jar with the liquid to retain its quality. Marinades that are stored without their liquid over a long period of time will dry and lose flavor.
How can I use Sundried Tomatoes?
[Back to Top]
Sundried tomatoes are an excellent addition to any antipasto tray. They are superb on sandwiches and pizza. Try them in pasta and rice dishes. Bake them in breads.
What is a caper?
[Back to Top]
Capers are cured buds of wild bushes that grow all over the Mediterranean. Unlike many foods, which are nearly impossible to find in their wild surroundings, capers are still harvested in a wild state. The plants are very thorny and they grow up and down hillsides, especially in weird little rock crevices. A typical plant produces only about ten pounds of buds in a good year.
How do I use Capers?
[Back to Top]
Capers are the most versatile ingredients around. They are good on almost anything, but they are particularly good with seafood. Capers are well suited to any dishes featuring anchovies, tuna or sardines. They are a must for vitello tonnato, the tuna sauce, and they make a nice garnish for salmon, both fresh & smoked. Capers are also an excellent way to add life to salads of all sorts.
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