Fun Facts About Pasta: How Italy's Favourite Food Conquered the World

Although pasta is made in Italy and is famous in Europe, it is everyone's favourite worldwide because of its unique taste. It is perfect for lunch and dinner with your loved ones! Whether you're a spaghetti slurper or a ravioli fan, here's a fun fact about pasta that might blow your mind.

Does Spaghetti grow on trees?

Spaghetti growing on trees is unlikely to happen. However, this news is very famous and popular because the news on the BBC broadcast shows the harvesting of Spaghetti in a Swiss family as an April Fools' Day joke. It became a worldwide sensation. Many people were fooled, and the prank became iconic and popular in 1957, showcasing the power of international pasta culture. 

The first pasta factory in the U.S. was built in Brooklyn

America's love affair with pasta goes back a long way. The first commercial pasta factory in the United States was founded in 1848 in Brooklyn, New York, by a French immigrant named Antoine Zerega. In those days, pasta was dried on the roof in the sun! The business grew quickly, and pasta soon became a staple in American households.

Today, pasta is used in everything from macaroni and cheese to pasta and meatballs. This versatility is a testament to the cultural impact of what started in a small Brooklyn factory.

Italians consume the most pasta

Being one of the must-try foods in Italy, it makes almost all Italians fall in love with a bite of pasta. On average, each person in Italy eats around 23-25 kilograms of pasta yearly, more than double the amount consumed in most other countries. With various flavours, textures, and types, Italians never get tired of consuming pasta. Moreover, it could often be served al dente, weighing several pounds of pasta when prepared for large gatherings. Everyone's interest in pasta is constantly increasing every year.

Before machinery, pasta was kneaded by foot

The advancement of culinary technology has undoubtedly made it easier for everyone to create and process pasta. However, in the early days of pasta, did you know that pasta was sometimes kneaded with feet for hours, a method that seems unconventional by today's culinary standards? It is to create a dough with a softer texture that can be used in various international pasta dishes, including sheets and strands. As strange and uncommon as it may sound, it happened in the past! Thankfully, pasta production is much more hygienic and efficient with advanced technology nowadays.

The word "Pasta" has different meanings

Even though you might think of pasta as noodles, it can have different meanings. The word pasta comes from the Latin pasta, which means dough or paste. It refers to the mixture of flour and water that forms the basis of many foods. Even in Italy, pasta can be defined as pastry dough and toothpaste, two very different things! So next time you're in Italy, ensure you're clear on which "pasta" you're asking for.

Tomato sauce came later

Tomato sauce is an excellent pairing with pasta dough, especially for most people. However, pasta was originally not directly combined with tomato sauce. It is eaten with cheese, butter, or sweet toppings like cinnamon. Tomatoes were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but weren't widely used in Italian cuisine until much later, despite the influence of the international pasta organisation promoting their use.

However, people are now more accustomed to eating pasta with tomato sauce because it is the best combo and is very popular among pasta lovers. Besides tomato, you can also combine your pasta bowl with many different types of Italian pasta sauce, such as creamy carbonara!

Italy has hundreds of pasta types

Pasta originated in Italy in the 12th century, and every year, it achieves new heights in popularity, especially on Pasta Day. Over time, international pasta has provided many different types with different textures and processing methods. From farfalle to fusilli, pappardelle to penne, there are over 350 recognised pasta shapes worldwide, each with its texture, name, and purpose. The different types of pasta give people more options and can be customised to their preferences.

Most dried pasta is made with only two ingredients

The beauty of dry pasta lies in its simplicity. Most types use only durum wheat semolina and water, with no eggs, dairy, or fat. That's why this type of pasta can be an option for vegetarians. It's a vegan-friendly type and can be refrigerated for months, making it perfect for various pasta dishes. Fresh pasta often contains eggs, but when it comes to pantry staples, you'll find many with the two ingredients that are perfect for plant-based meals.

Pasta was initially a meal for the rich

In its early days, pasta wasn't for the average person. The complex process of making and drying pasta made it expensive, so it was eaten mainly by the wealthy. Since technology has made pasta processing easier, there is no complex process, allowing for more creativity in culinary dishes. As a result, pasta today can be consumed by everyone and is loved by people from all over the world, not just in Italy, making it a truly international pasta dish! You can also find pasta in every type, from fancy restaurants in Rome to quick weeknight dinners in suburban kitchens.

America's favourite pasta is...

America's favourite is Spaghetti, a classic in many international pasta dishes! While pasta shapes like penne, macaroni, and fettuccine are popular, Spaghetti is still a favourite in the U.S. Spaghetti has become a popular food because it's versatile and pairs well with classic sauces like marinara or vegan meatballs. Its rise to fame, fueled by American-Italian restaurants and pop culture, is a testament to the universal appeal of this long, twirly dish.

‍

From ancient kneading methods to modern sauce pairings, pasta has come a long way. The role of international pasta organisations in promoting their evolution is significant. These fun facts show pasta's rich and fascinating journey, capturing hearts worldwide and earning its place as a cultural icon. 

Ready to taste the real thing? Visit Piccolino Woodfired Pizza and Homemade Pasta 

‍