Once cooked, refreshed and cold, pasta may be stored in a refrigerator by one of two methods, either submerged in a basin of cold water or completely drained and placed on a tray, lightly and evenly coated with a small amount of oil and covered with a damp cloth. However, either method can cause problems. Retention in cold water removes some of the starch and the pasta becomes white in appearance and soft. On the other hand, when stored on a tray with a little oil the distribution of the oil must be carried out correctly or else it may dry out in the areas not coated with oil and become dry and even brittle. In any case, retention should be for a limited period only.