Pasta is a delicious food that many people love, but do you know its fascinating history? Let's dive into it!
Pasta is believed to have originated in ancient times, around 5000 BC, in a place called China. The Chinese made a type of noodle from millet dough. Later, in the Roman Empire, the Romans enjoyed a similar dish known as "lagana," which was made from sheets of dough cut into strips. You can learn more about the Roman Empire here.
In the Middle Ages, pasta began spreading across Europe. It became popular in Italy in the 12th century. The word "pasta" comes from the Italian word for dough. Interestingly, Marco Polo, the famous explorer, is often credited with bringing pasta back to Italy after his travels to China. However, pasta was likely already in Italy before his journey! You can read more about Marco Polo here.
By the 14th century, pasta was being made in many shapes and sizes, and it became a staple food for many Italians. People made it from durum wheat, which is a hard type of wheat that makes pasta chewy. The first known reference to pasta in Italy was in a book called "Liber de Coquina," dating back to the 14th century! You can find out more about this book here.
In the 19th century, pasta became even more popular with the invention of the pasta machine. This machine helped to make big batches of pasta quickly and easily. Thomas Jefferson even brought pasta to America after he tasted it in Italy! He served it at a dinner party in 1789. You can learn more about Thomas Jefferson here.
In the 20th century, pasta factories began popping up, making it easier for people to enjoy pasta at home. Today, there are over 600 different shapes of pasta! Some of them include spaghetti, penne, and macaroni. Every region in Italy has its own special pasta, and each shape is often served with different sauces.
Pasta is not only tasty but also very versatile. It can be made from various ingredients, including whole wheat, rice, and even vegetables. And did you know that in 1995, there was even a pasta museum in Italy? You can learn more about it here.
So, next time you enjoy a plate of pasta, remember it's been loved for thousands of years!