**Why Does Pasta Vary in Color?**

Pasta color depends on wheat type, milling, and processing:
– **Wheat:** Durum wheat gives a yellow hue, while blends with darker grains affect color.
– **Milling:** Intense milling or heat can darken flour.
– **Drying:** High-temperature drying creates furosine, darkening pasta.
– **Storage:** Air, light, and humidity oxidize wheat, causing darkening.
– **Pigments:** Natural carotenoids fade over time, while some brands add colors.

Bright yellow pasta may seem higher quality, but darker pasta often offers rich flavors and equals quality.