My main mission here at Mariella & Grace is to provide something not only of the highest quality, but also something that hasn’t been done here in the USA. Up until our founding, there haven't been any notable products available in the USA from Gargano, one of the most well preserved and pristine lands in Italy. Now our award winning extra virgin olive oils are being enjoyed across the country. From a health and wellness standpoint, this next product may be the most important one. In a time when the USA is struggling to provide healthy, non-toxic, nutrient dense foods that support our people instead of slowly killing them, I present to you Senatore Cappelli Dried Pasta from Casa Prencipe…

Senatore Cappelli wheat is a heritage variety of durum wheat developed in 1915 by agronomist Nazareno Strampelli and named after Raffaele Cappelli, a prominent Italian senator who supported agricultural reform. Once widespread across Southern Italy, this grain was largely replaced in the latter half of the 20th century by higher-yielding, more industrial varieties. But in recent decades, it has seen a revival thanks to its rich nutritional qualities and digestibility.

Compared to modern durum wheat commonly used in mass-market pasta, Senatore Cappelli is taller, non-GMO, and cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This makes it an ideal candidate for organic agriculture, as practiced by Casa Prencipe.

Nutritional Advantages of Senatore Cappelli Wheat Pasta

Scientific research has confirmed that Senatore Cappelli wheat offers a range of health benefits, making it one of the best options for people seeking healthy pasta alternatives and authentic Italian food products:

Higher Fiber Content: Promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar.
Lower Gluten Toxicity: While not suitable for people with celiac disease, it has shown improved tolerability among individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Richer in Micronutrients: Contains more magnesium, potassium, and iron compared to conventional wheat.
Antioxidant-Rich Profile: High in polyphenols and flavonoids that may protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

A 2022 study published in Nutrients by Giacosa et al. demonstrated that pasta made from Senatore Cappelli wheat significantly reduced gastrointestinal and inflammatory symptoms among individuals with gluten sensitivity, outperforming pasta made from modern semolina (PMC9269238).

Senatore Cappelli vs. Traditional and U.S. Pasta

Artisanal Italian Pasta vs. Senatore Cappelli

While Italy has no shortage of exceptional pasta makers, most artisanal pasta is still made from modern durum semolina, which has been selectively bred for productivity, not nutrition. Even high-end brands may use faster drying times and steel dies, which impact texture and flavor.

Casa Prencipe, by contrast, uses slow drying methods at low temperatures and bronze dies to extrude their pasta. This process:

Preserves nutrient density and digestibility.
Produces a rougher texture ideal for holding sauce.
Enhances the natural aroma and flavor of Senatore Cappelli grain.

Mariella & Grace and Casa Prencipe is a top choice for consumers searching for organic Italian pasta, high-fiber pasta, or authentic Puglian foods.

U.S. Store-Bought Pasta: A Stark Contrast

Most American pasta on grocery shelves is mass-produced from modern, refined durum wheat and is made using high-temperature drying methods (sometimes over 90°C) for efficiency. This:

Diminishes nutritional quality.
Eliminates many of the wheat’s aromatic and phenolic compounds.
Often includes enriched flours or additives to compensate for lost nutrients.

Moreover, American wheat varieties are often hybridized for yield and gluten strength, contributing to increased reports of gluten intolerance and gastrointestinal issues. In contrast, the lower-gluten, slow-processed nature of Senatore Cappelli wheat can offer a gentler, more natural digestion experience.

Sustainability and Ethics: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Eating

Casa Prencipe’s commitment to sustainability is integral to its identity. The Senatore Cappelli wheat used in their pasta is grown organically on small local farms in Puglia, supporting biodiversity and rural economies. The company follows a short supply chain and fully traceable production process—from field to fork.

The environmental impact is also minimized: ancient grains like Senatore Cappelli thrive without synthetic chemicals and adapt well to dry Mediterranean climates, reducing water consumption and soil degradation.

For eco-conscious consumers seeking sustainable pasta options and clean-label Italian food, Mariella & Grace and Casa Prencipe offer a truly guilt-free gourmet experience.

A Revival Rooted in Tradition and Science

Our partnership with Casa Prencipe is not simply reviving an ancient grain—it is redefining what pasta can be. By harnessing the superior nutritional qualities of Senatore Cappelli wheat and preserving artisanal methods, we can offer a product that nourishes the body and honors Italy’s agricultural legacy.

As consumer awareness around food origins and health grows, Mariella & Grace and Casa Prencipe stand as a models for ethical, nutritious, and genuinely delicious food. It’s the perfect answer for anyone looking for healthy Italian pasta, low-gluten alternatives, or premium organic products from Italy.

**Shop our Senatore Cappelli Dried Pasta today!**

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Key Studies and Sources

Giacosa A. et al. (2022) – Phytochemical Components and Human Health Effects of Old vs. Modern Wheat Varieties. Nutrients. PMC9269238
Wikipedia (IT) – Senatore Cappelli. it.wikipedia.org

The Gold Standard of Ancient Grains: Senatore Cappelli Wheat Pasta