Allie Godfrey
We all love Woodland Valley’s fresh pasta. Its softness, richness, and handmade appeal make it hard to resist. But there’s a strong case for giving their dried pasta just as much attention, especially when it’s made with the same level of care and intention.
The difference starts with the flour.
Woodland Valley uses high-quality durum wheat semolina grown through regenerative farming practices. That means no chemical inputs, a focus on building healthy soil, and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels often used in conventional farming. The result is a cleaner, more sustainable grain that delivers real, noticeable flavour.
Freshness is another key part of the story. The semolina is milled to order and used within a short timeframe, so the pasta is made from flour at its peak. Unlike mass-produced dried pasta that can sit for months, this immediacy creates a depth of flavour that truly stands out.
The ingredients are beautifully simple: just durum wheat semolina and water. No eggs, no additives – just the essentials. From there, the pasta is slowly dried overnight. This gentle process allows the structure and flavour to develop naturally. It may take a little longer to cook, but the result is a firm, satisfying texture, and that perfect al dente bite.
What really sets it apart is how it performs on the plate. The texture holds beautifully, the sauce clings effortlessly, and the flavour comes through in a way that’s often missing from standard dried pasta. It’s a reminder that when the fundamentals are done well – good grain, careful milling, and a slow process – even the simplest ingredients can deliver something exceptional. It’s no surprise that even Italians often reach for quality dried pasta.
And with Woodland Valley’s range of ready-made sauces, it becomes an easy, quick, and genuinely delicious meal – perfect for busy nights without compromising on quality.
Find Woodland Valley Farm every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers Market from 7am to 11am and every Friday at Mullumbimby Farmers Market from 7am to 11am.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
