Orecchiette Pasta IGP 500g

Garofalo Orecchiette is a small, ear-shaped pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina, produced in Gragnano, Italy under IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) certification. The name means "little ears" in Italian — a reference to the distinctive concave shape that originated in Apulia, the sun-drenched region of southern Italy, where it remains a cornerstone of local cooking. The shape's precise origins are debated: some trace it to the conical rooftops of the Trulli stone buildings of Alberobello; others point to Jewish culinary influence or traders from Provence. Whatever its roots, orecchiette has since travelled well beyond Apulia to become a beloved format across the Italian table.

Bronze-die cut for a rough surface that amplifies flavour. Extruded through traditional bronze dies, each piece develops a naturally textured exterior that enhances the flavour of sauces by drawing them into the concave centre and holding them against the rough outer surface. This dual-sided absorption — inside the cup and across the exterior — makes orecchiette particularly effective with thick, ingredient-forward sauces where every element needs to stay in contact with the pasta. With a 13-minute cook time and the structural integrity of Gragnano IGP production, it holds its distinctive shape reliably from pot to plate.

A regional speciality with broad menu appeal. While broccoli rabe remains the traditional pairing, Garofalo Orecchiette adapts comfortably to a wide range of preparations, making it a distinctive and versatile addition to any pasta menu. Supplied by Sapori in a 16 x 500g case, it suits restaurants, delis, and wholesale accounts across Cape Town and the Western Cape looking for an IGP-certified Italian pasta with genuine regional character and provenance.The cupped shape makes orecchiette one of the most sauce-retentive pasta formats available — the hollow catches and holds chunky, loose, or leafy sauces that would slide off smoother pasta entirely. The thicker edge gives a satisfying bite while the thinner centre cooks through evenly, achieving al dente consistency at 13 minutes. Its unique structure also makes it well suited to pasta salads and composed dishes where sauce integration and visual texture matter. The IGP certification ensures consistent shape and density across every case — essential for kitchens where dish replication is non-negotiable.

Cape Town restaurants use Garofalo Orecchiette for classic Puglian preparations as well as contemporary vegetable-forward and meat-based dishes that benefit from the cup's natural sauce-holding properties. The distinctive shape adds visual interest to plated presentations and works equally well in warm and cold applications. Each 500g bag yields 5 restaurant portions. The 16x500g case format provides commercial volume while individual vacuum-sealed packages prevent waste. Distributed by Sapori throughout Cape Town and the Western Cape. Contact Sapori for wholesale pricing.