About
Pasta — made from durum wheat semolina and water — has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, with over 350 documented shapes each suited to different sauces. Despite the popular legend, pasta was not brought to Italy by Marco Polo from China — evidence of pasta in Italy predates his journey. Dried pasta was likely developed in Sicily under Arab influence in the 12th century.
Italy produces 3.9 million tons of pasta annually and is the world's largest producer and consumer. Pasta is the world's most commonly consumed food — eaten in over 160 countries. The global pasta market is worth over $16 billion. The chemistry of al dente pasta (slightly firm) provides a lower glycemic index than overcooked pasta.
# Top 10 Pasta facts
- 1There are over 350 documented pasta shapes — each designed to work with specific sauce textures
- 2Italy produces 3.9 million tons of pasta annually and eats more pasta per person than any other country
- 3Pasta was not brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo — that's a myth
- 4Italian pasta predates his journey
Fascinating Facts
- ◆There are over 350 documented pasta shapes — each designed to work with specific sauce textures
- ◆Italy produces 3.9 million tons of pasta annually and eats more pasta per person than any other country
- ◆Pasta was not brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo — that's a myth; Italian pasta predates his journey
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