The beloved country of Italy is the leader in both the produce and consumption of pasta today..
Archaeologists believe that central Asia is most likely the first area to have produced noodles thousands of years ago.
From Asia, it traveled westward.
The way it reached Europe is unclear, though there are many theories—some believe that nomadic Arabs are responsible for bringing early forms of pasta westward..
Italian factories dry pasta for much longer (up to 50 hours) for a better quality pasta.
They also give the pasta its unique ridges, using copper moulds, so that they absorb sauce best.
An interesting fact is that pasta in Italy, because of this, is much quicker to cook..
Despite its many forms and the countless texts in which it has appeared, pasta seems to be universally associated with Italy.
According to history, however, pasta's earliest roots begin in China, during the Shang Dynasty (1700-1100 BC), where some form of pasta was made with either wheat or rice flour..
Pasta products contain milled wheat, water, and occasionally eggs and/or optional ingredients.
Pasta manufacturers typically use milled durum wheat (semolina, durum granulars, and durum flour) in pasta production, although farina and flour from common wheat are occasionally used..
What is pasta? Italian pasta (pronounced “PAS-tah”) is a collective name for a category of food made from wheat flour and water, sometimes with egg.
The name refers to the resulting dough (pasta also means “dough”) that is rolled out and cut into various shapes.
Pasta is cooked in water and served with a sauce..
It's Part of a Good Diet
Pasta is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry.
It's a good source of energy and can give you fiber, too, if it's made from whole grain.
That can help with stomach problems and may help lower cholesterol..
