About National Pasta Month 

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OVER 3000 YEARS AGO, THE GREEKS WERE ON TO SOMETHING!
WORLD PASTA MONTH

World Pasta Month, a celebration deeply rooted in the world's cultural fabric, honors one of the most beloved foods. Spearheaded by the National Pasta Association (NPA), this month-long event invites food enthusiasts to delve into pasta's versatility, experiment with new recipes, and appreciate its cultural significance. The NPA's mission is to promote pasta's nutritional benefits and its role in a balanced diet, while also shining a light on its rich history and global appeal.

NOODLES VS PASTA

Pasta, often confused with noodles, has distinct characteristics that set it apart. While both pasta and noodles are made from dough, the key difference lies in the ingredients and preparation methods. Pasta is traditionally made from durum wheat semolina and water, giving it a firm texture and a golden hue. In contrast, noodles can be made from various flours, including rice, wheat, and mung bean, and are often softer and more delicate.

Pasta traces back to ancient civilizations. Despite persistent legends, the explorer Marco Polo did not introduce pasta to Italy.

GREECE APPEARS TO BE THE ORIGIN OF PASTA

The ancient Greeks first wrote about pasta nearly 3,000 years ago. Later, the lauded Roman statesman and poet Cicero documented his love for spaghetti and his propensity to overindulge.

When archaeologists uncovered the remains of the first-century eruptions of Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, they found spaghetti and the instruments used to make it.

During this period, and well before the Islamic era, Arab cultures of the Gulf and Levant fashioned dried pasta in strips. Arabians of western Asia were nomadic peoples who shared their version of dried pasta throughout East, South, and West Asia. When Islam conquered Sicily in June 827 CE, the culinary arts of Europe and Asia met. To this day, they share similarities in cuisine.

During the 12th century, Abu Abdullah Mohammed al Idrisi wrote about the importance of spaghetti to Sicilian culture in "The Book of Roger," specifically mentioning the town of Trabia in Sicily. Here, the natives made the dough using hard wheat into long strands that they then exported to other areas.

A century later, Marco Polo traveled to China and lived there for several years, and he may have carried spaghetti with him. The Chinese also create noodles, not from wheat but from rice.

Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine. Today, pasta is enjoyed in many forms and dishes, reflecting the diverse cultures that have embraced it.

YUMMY PASTA DISHES

The five most popular pasta dishes globally are:

—Spaghetti Bolognese
A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti served with a rich meat-based sauce.

—Macaroni and Cheese
An American comfort food favorite, combining macaroni pasta with a creamy cheese sauce.

—Lasagna
This dish is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, featuring layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce baked to perfection.

—Penne Arrabbiata 
A spicy Italian dish made with penne pasta and a fiery tomato-based sauce.

—Fettuccine Alfredo
A creamy, indulgent dish of fettuccine pasta tossed in a sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

World Pasta Month allows food lovers to celebrate this versatile ingredient, experiment with new pasta dishes, and appreciate the cultural heritage behind each bite. Whether enjoyed in a simple tomato sauce or a complex baked dish, pasta continues to be a culinary favorite worldwide.