Not all pasta starts with the same wheat. Russello and Khorasan are two ancient wheat varieties distinguished by their history, composition and culinary qualities.
Russello, traditionally grown in Sicily, is an ancient durum wheat particularly well suited to pasta making. Khorasan, on the other hand, is easily recognised by its large, golden grains and its mild, slightly nutty flavour.
But their appeal goes beyond taste. Ancient wheat varieties are now the subject of numerous scientific studies, particularly regarding their nutritional composition, naturally occurring compounds in the grain and their interactions with our intestinal environment.
Diversity that can also be found on the plate
Different wheat varieties do not have exactly the same composition. Research into ancient wheat varieties has highlighted differences in proteins, fibre, phenolic compounds and various micronutrients.
This diversity is particularly interesting in a diet where the same cereal varieties are often consumed every day. Choosing Russello or Khorasan pasta therefore makes it possible to vary cereal sources and their nutritional profiles, while retaining the pleasure and simplicity of a good plate of pasta.
Khorasan: a particularly well-studied ancient wheat
Among ancient wheat varieties, Khorasan has been the subject of several human studies. Some have examined what happens in the intestinal environment when foods made from this wheat are incorporated into the diet.
Researchers have observed differences in certain populations of the gut microbiota, as well as in metabolites produced by the activity of these microorganisms. Other studies have investigated differences observed at the digestive level according to the wheat varieties consumed.
These findings do not, of course, make Khorasan a therapeutic food. Rather, they show that the wheat variety itself is an interesting factor when studying the relationship between cereals, diet and the intestinal environment.
Russello: the character of an ancient Sicilian durum wheat
Russello is part of Sicily’s traditional cereal heritage. Analyses of ancient Sicilian wheat varieties show that they have different profiles in terms of proteins and naturally occurring compounds found in the grain.
Its appeal is also culinary: as a durum wheat, Russello is particularly well suited to pasta making. It produces pasta with a satisfying bite, a distinctive semolina flavour and enough character to pair equally well with a simple olive oil or a more elaborate sauce.
Two ancient wheats, two distinct personalities
Russello offers the character of a true Italian durum wheat: a pronounced cereal flavour, satisfying texture and a distinctive presence on the palate.
Khorasan offers a milder, rounder experience, with its naturally golden colour and subtly nutty notes.
Both provide an opportunity to move beyond standardised cereal varieties and naturally introduce greater diversity into the diet.
What we particularly appreciate
- Ancient wheat varieties with their own identity and origin.
- Distinct cereal and nutritional profiles compared with commonly used wheat varieties.
- An interesting source of diversity when considering the relationship between diet and the intestinal environment.
- Excellent qualities for pasta making, combining texture, good cooking performance and distinctive aromas.
- Two different taste experiences: more cereal-driven for Russello, milder and nuttier for Khorasan.
Rediscovering ancient wheat varieties is not about looking for a “miracle food”. It is above all about bringing greater diversity to the cereals we eat, paying attention to the wheat varieties we choose and enjoying the distinctive qualities that each one can bring to our diet and our cooking.
Good to know: Russello and Khorasan naturally contain gluten and are therefore not suitable for people with coeliac disease.

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