Artigenda
World Pasta Day
When: annually, October 25..
On 25 October, it is time to delve into the world of the dough the Italians are most proud of pasta. That’s when it’s World Pasta Day. A day that has been around since the late 1990s. The pasta has been around for much longer, of course, and – surprisingly – its origins do not come from Italy.
Above all, don’t let it spoil the fun. However, it is good to know that pasta is a consequence of noodles or knödels. The latter word is important because when you think of noodles, you immediately think of an Asian dish. Knödels, on the other hand, can be traced back to Northern and Eastern European cuisine. Yet the influence of Asian cuisine should not be underestimated with noodles, for instance. Italians came into contact with it via trade routes. Actually in a similar way that we subsequently came into contact with pasta. Not before Italian immigrants in the US made pasta ‘big’ there.
The history of pasta
Pasta, a staple of Italian cuisine, has a rich and intriguing history that extends far beyond our modern-day penne and spaghetti. The 19th century marked a significant turning point in the evolution of pasta, setting the stage for the pasta we know and love today.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century played a pivotal role in pasta’s history. Before this period, pasta was largely a luxury item, consumed primarily by the wealthy due to the labour-intensive process of making it. However, the advent of industrial pasta factories in Naples, Italy, transformed pasta production from a laborious household task to a streamlined industrial process. This made pasta more accessible and affordable for the masses.
In the late 19th century, pasta began its journey across the Atlantic with Italian immigrants to America. The immigrants brought their love for pasta and their recipes with them, introducing pasta to the American palate. By the early 20th century, pasta had become a common dish in American households.
Innovation
The 20th century saw further innovations in pasta production. The introduction of dried pasta, which could be stored for long periods, made pasta a staple food worldwide. The invention of new pasta shapes, each designed to hold a specific type of sauce, added variety to pasta dishes and made them even more popular.
Today, pasta is celebrated globally, with World Pasta Day highlighting the importance of pasta as a global food. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved food staple, the journey of pasta is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of food to unite cultures.
As we twirl our forks into a delicious plate of spaghetti or bite into a succulent piece of lasagna, let’s take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history and innovation that have gone into making pasta the world-renowned dish it is today.
