Pasta is such a staple around the world that we can sometime take it for granted . It's a simple food, but while many people enjoy it, most people don't know the most surprising facts about pasta. I have hunted down some facts, and as an Italian I was really surprised!
1. PASTA KEEPS YOU THIN, SAVES YOU FROM HEART ATTACKS AND MAKES YOU HAPPY
Various health benefit have been attributed to pasta over the years, more or less convincingly. Italian research found evidence that people who eat a lot of pasta are less likely to be overweight, which they attribute to its part in the famous Mediterranean diet or fresh vegetable and olive oil. Many nutritionists claim that eating pasta increases levels of serotonin, the body's happiness chemical.
2. THERE'S A SCIENCE TO THE SHAPES
The multitude of shapes that pasta comes in (around 600) aren't just to look pretty! There are some strict rules about which shape suits to the best dish. Don't even think, for instance, to pair spaghetti with a a chunky vegetable sauce! And use ditalini or anellini only in a soup! Each shape has a purpose.
3. "PASTA"- DIFFERENT THINGS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
While the word pasta may seem pretty international there are actually differences in meaning for the word depending on what language you are using. For example in Latin, pasta means "dough pastry cake" , while in Greece it means " barley porridge", which doesn't sound good! In Italian, pasta means "paste", which makes totally sense since is made of flour and egg and it's quite sticky!
4. PASTA WAS FIRST MADE IN CHINA
Shocking right? While pasta is pretty much related to the Italian cuisine , the first records come actually from China, way back to 5000 BC. Legends say that Marco Polo introduced noodles to Italy in the 12th century. However, historical records show that pasta was already eaten in Italy by 500 BC.
5. WORLD PASTA DAY
October 25th is Word Pasta Day. Nice! Let's have a party then!
If you are looking forward to learn more about the origins of the Italian pasta sign up for one of the HOMEMADE PASTA class, I will teach you everything you need to know about our traditions!
Love from the kitchen 💕👩🏼🍳🇮🇹
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