Why is humidity control essential in a fresh pasta or noodle production?
Humidity control in fresh pasta making is important in order to prevent it from drying out, sticking together or cracking. We recommend a relative humidity level around 70-85% during the process and until it has been packaged. According to the Italian law, the water activity in fresh pasta must be >0.92 and < 0.97, which makes humidity control essential.
Different humidity levels for different types of fresh pasta
1: Tagliatelle and fettuccine
Nest-like pasta such as tagliatelle and fettuccine requires a relatively high RH level between 45% – 55% during the production process. For the storing process, it should hang around 1 day in a 35-50% RH setting. If it is cooked immediately, it should hang for 20-30 minutes.
2: Ravioli and Tortellini
Filled fresh pasta such as ravioli and tortellini is more complicated due to the combination of dough and filling. The water ratio of the two components can vary greatly affecting the product’s total moisture content (Zardetto, 2025). We recommend a RH level between 45% – 50% in order to prevent the dough from cracking during the process.
3: Rigatoni and macaroni
For extruded pasta, such as rigatoni, macaroni, penne and fusilli a relative humidity level around 50-60% is recommended in order to control the shape. Extruded pasta is prone to stress cracks and should be stored at around 80% RH until packaged.
4: Lasagna sheets
The recommended RH level for larger piece of pasta such as lasagna sheets and cannelloni is around 35–45%. To prevent the sheets from clinging to eachother they should be dusted with semolina flour or other type of separator.
5: Noodles
Humidity control is also very important for noddles as they make break during dry conditions. As the dough is rolled out into long, thin strands, the increased surface area exposed to the air causes it to dry out, making it progressively more difficult to roll out. In severe cases, the noodles may snap, forcing them to be discarded. We recommend a relative humidity level around 70-80% during the production.
Which type of humidification system is most suitable for fresh pasta production?
Ikeuchi’s AKIMist dry fog humidifier is the ideal choice for fresh pasta production. This industrial humidifier generates an extremely fine mist—known as ‘dry fog’—enabling precise humidity control. Also known as ‘non-wetting mist’, dry fog contains no coarse water particles, so it will not wet products or equipment even if it comes into contact with them. Despite its fine mist, it boasts a spray rate of 2.4 litres per hour per nozzle, providing powerful humidification. This allows humidity levels to be raised quickly where required, helping to maintain a stable environment.
Dust suppression
AKIMist dry fog humidifier also has the added advantage of dust suppression. Due to the tiny droplets of 7.5 µm, the dust produced from flour and other ingredients can be captured and brought to the floor. This helps to protect equipment and employees from unnessesary dust accumulations.
Healthier employees
AKIMist also has a great effect on preventing virus from spreading in a facility. This leads to a better working environment and fewer sickness leaves.
‘Since we introduced the humidifier, I’ve noticed a difference in how I feel. It seems there has been a significant reduction in the number of people feeling unwell in the factory, and whilst I used to catch colds easily and suffer from swollen tonsils, I haven’t caught a cold at all recently.’
Customer at noodle factory
Other benefits of using the AKIMist® Dry Fog Humidifier
Energy and cost
AKIMist is extremely energy-efficient and uses up to 80% less energy than conventional humidification systems.
AKIMist cools around 2°C while controlling the humidity level. It reduces 20% of the energy used for air-conditioning and thereby saves cost.
AKIMist can be used for spot humidification and be placed directly by the source of issue. This reduces the price significantly as only a few units may be needed.
Installation and maintenance
AKIMist requires very little maintenance compared to other humidification equipment. In addition, it is very easy to maintain as it is installed within the factory and hanging from the ceiling or wall.
AKIMist is easy to install and can be fitted into any current HVAC design. AKIMist can be installed with a wall or ceiling fitting or
even as a portable option.
AKIMist is very compact. Like the size of a 5 inch smartphone. This makes it easy to fit into tight factory spaces.
Health and Environment
AKIMist can maintain an ideal humidification level with the help of a sensor. This significantly reduces the build-up of static electricity in a factory and reduces errors and scrap.
Due to the small size droplets, which are as small as dust particles, these droplets can suppress the dust. In addition, the increased humidity also helps to suppress dust.
Maintaining a relative humidity level of around 50% will reduce the risk of viruses from spreading between employees. This increases the well-being of the employees and increases productivity.
Learn more about the unique technology behind Dry Fog humidification
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