AbstractQuality attributes of waxy durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L), milled semolina and cooked spaghetti were examined and compared with those of two non‐waxy durum cultivars. With the exception of kernel hardness, wheat quality characteristics were similar for both waxy and non‐waxy durum. Compared with average values obtained for durum wheat grown in North Dakota (USA) during the crop year 2000, the values obtained for the wheat used in this study were equal or better for most parameters evaluated. Semolina extraction for all samples was lower than the 2000 average of 62.6%. The waxy lines had higher ash, lower speck count, similar protein quantity, lower wet gluten and stronger mixograph curves than the non‐waxy cultivars. Waxy durum semolina had higher lipid content, starch damage, stirring number and flour swelling values. Spaghetti made from waxy durum semolina had shorter cooking time, similar cooking loss and cooked weight and lower firmness values, which would be unacceptable by most standards. Spaghetti made from blends containing 20–80% waxy durum semolina were evaluated. Cooking time and firmness decreased and cooking loss increased as the amount of waxy semolina increased. Acceptable spaghetti was obtained using 20–40% waxy semolina blends, depending on the quality of the non‐waxy blending material. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry