Rummo S.p.A. Molino e Pastificio has been making quality pasta in Italy for over 150 years. Up until now, however, they have been making it exclusively for other companies who put their own brand on it. What makes their pasta special, besides using the highest-quality durum wheat, is a unique kneading process that they developed themselves based on the original hand-kneading technique used by founder Antonio Rummo himself. The process, known as Lenta Lavorazione, which means “slow kneading,” is one in which the pasta is carefully and slowly kneaded so that the flavor, aroma, and nutritional content remain completely intact. The Rummo family custom designed a machine to do the kneading accomplishes this proprietary production method and makes for a unique and delicious pasta. The Rummo family is now marketing their superb pasta under their own label and have set up an American office to begin selling the pasta here in the United States. For more information, call 800-421-8054, or go to www.pastarummo.com.

Specialty rice importers Lotus Foods has added another heirloom, handcrafted rice, Brown Kalijira Rice (they already carry regular Kalijira Rice, known in its native Bengal as “the Prince of Rice”) and have also introduced the new Whole Grain Stamp. The stamp’s creation was inspired by the new dietary guidelines set forth by the federal government that urge consumers to eat at least three servings a day of whole-grain products. They can be contacted at 510-525-3137, e-mailed at info@lotusfoods.com, or visited at www.lotusfoods.com.

Power-Selles Imports has a new packaged Matiz Catalan Fideo Noodles. Fideo noodles are used to make a traditional fideua, a dish that is made in a similar way to paella. Each package comes with a traditional fideua recipe. They also have new Valencia Almonds, similar to the hugely popular Marcona Almonds (which they also carry) but far less expensive due to availability. Call them at 425-398-9761, or go to www.psimports.net.