Traditional Cretan striftaria infused with wild fennel and olive oil. Hand-shaped twisted pasta from Heraklion, ready in 3–5 minutes. Vegan, no additives.
Striftaria — the beloved twisted pasta of Crete — captures the essence of the island's countryside with real fennel seed, wild fennel greens, and a touch of olive oil worked directly into the dough. This hand-shaped pasta carries a subtle anise-like fragrance that evokes spring hillsides dotted with wild herbs, bringing Cretan terroir to your table with every forkful.
Maggiri's Signature Collection honors a pasta-making tradition passed down through generations in Heraklion, where each batch is shaped by hand and dried slowly to preserve its rustic texture and delicate aroma. Made with just five ingredients and no artificial flavors, striftaria needs little more than good extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs to shine.
Why This Pasta Stands Out
- Traditional Cretan striftaria (swivel) shape with ridged, twisted form that holds sauces beautifully
- Infused with 0.5% fennel seed, 0.5% wild fennel, and 0.5% olive oil for authentic Cretan aroma
- 100% vegan with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Quick cooking time of just 3–5 minutes for weeknight ease
- Produced in Heraklion, Crete, in an ISO 22000:2018 certified facility
- Bears the 'Crete – Land of Values' quality mark from the Agri-Food Partnership of the Region of Crete
- Net weight 250g (2½ servings), perfect for two or meal prep
Ingredients & Craftsmanship
This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina (98.5%), fennel seed (0.5%), wild fennel (0.5%), olive oil (0.5%), and water. The fennel components are sourced from Crete's aromatic landscape, where wild fennel grows freely along roadsides and hillsides each spring. The dough is shaped by hand into the characteristic swivel form, then dried slowly to preserve both texture and the delicate herbal notes that distinguish Cretan pasta traditions.
Nutrition per 100g: Energy 1554 kJ / 367 kcal | Fat 3.0g (saturates 0.6g) | Carbohydrate 70g (sugars 4.7g) | Fibre 5.7g | Protein 12g | Salt 0.02g. Contains gluten. Produced on the same line as products containing milk and eggs.
Origin: Kampos Agios Syllas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
About Maggiri
Maggiri produces artisan pasta in Heraklion, Crete, using recipes and techniques handed down through generations. Each batch is shaped by hand and dried slowly, honoring the island's culinary heritage while meeting modern food safety standards in an ISO 22000:2018 certified facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does striftaria mean?
- Striftaria refers to a traditional Cretan pasta shape that is twisted or swiveled by hand, creating ridges that catch sauce beautifully. The name comes from the Greek word for 'twist.'
- How should I cook this pasta?
- Bring salted water to a rolling boil, add the striftaria, and cook for 3–5 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss immediately with olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, or pair with seafood and light vegetable sauces.
- Is the fennel flavor strong?
- The fennel imparts a subtle, aromatic quality rather than an overpowering anise taste. It complements rather than dominates, making the pasta versatile enough for a wide range of Mediterranean preparations.
- Can this pasta be paired with tomato-based sauces?
- Yes, though its delicate fennel aroma shines brightest with lighter preparations such as aglio e olio, seafood, sautéed greens, or a simple lemon and herb dressing typical of Cretan cuisine.
Bring the scent of Crete's spring hillsides to your kitchen with this hand-shaped, fennel-infused pasta that asks only for good olive oil and fresh herbs.
