What is the white stuff on pasta after it has been refrigerated?

Here's why:

* Pasta is made from starch. The primary ingredient in pasta is durum wheat semolina, which is rich in starch.

* Starch molecules interact with water. When pasta is cooked, the starch granules absorb water and swell.

* Cooling causes starch to solidify. As the pasta cools, the water within the starch molecules starts to evaporate, and the starch molecules solidify. This can create a white, powdery residue on the surface of the pasta.

It's perfectly safe to eat! The white starch is simply a sign that the pasta has been cooked and cooled. You can easily reheat the pasta and it will be just as delicious.

To minimize the white stuff:

* Toss pasta with a sauce while it's still hot. This will help to coat the pasta and prevent the starch from sticking together.

* Store pasta in an airtight container. This will help to prevent moisture loss and starch from forming.