Next time you're at the store grabbing your favourite pasta, just remember: the world of pasta is huge and full of history!
If you’re a pasta lover, you’re going to totally dig this! You chow down on pasta, but have you ever wondered where it all comes from? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of your favourite pasta. We're exploring its origins, fun facts, and everything you didn’t know. This piece has all the answers!
Lasagne, one of the oldest pasta shapes, dates back to ancient Rome and Greece. Originally called laganon and laganum, it looked quite different from today’s lasagna. Early recipes included ingredients like nuts and herbs. By the 14th century, it started to resemble the cheesy, layered dish we enjoy today.
The name "Macaroni" has an interesting history. It might come from the Greek word "makaria," used for dishes made with barley, often served at meals. As Greeks settled in Naples, they encountered a similar dish, which evolved into what we now call macaroni. Over time, barley was replaced by durum wheat, and "makaria" became "maccheroni." By the 14th century, macaroni appeared in cookbooks, with recipes featuring cheese and butter layered between pasta.
Stroncatura is a unique pasta from Calabria, Italy. It’s similar to linguini but has a darker colour and rougher texture. Originally, it was made from pasta scraps swept off factory floors, giving it a distinct taste and texture perfect for holding onto sauce. Today, stroncatura is made under clean conditions, using high-fibre wheat and bronze moulds to achieve its signature look. Now it’s enjoyed by everyone, including top chefs and families.
Spaghetti is one of Italy's most iconic pasta shapes. The name "spaghetti" means "little strings," with "spaghetto" being the singular form. By the 1100s, spaghetti was being made in Sicily. It gained popularity worldwide and became a staple in various recipes, often paired with vegetable-based sauces. In Italy, spaghetti is enjoyed with a range of tasty options, including simple tomato sauce, herbs, and vegetables.
Cavatappi, the corkscrew-shaped pasta, made its debut in the 1960s. Originally called "cellentani," it was named after Adriano Celentano, an energetic Italian pop singer. Since "cellentani" was a trademarked name, "cavatappi" became the generic term for this pasta shape. "Cavatappi" means "corkscrew" in Italian, fitting the pasta’s spiral form.
Vermicelli, often linked with both European pasta and Asian noodles, actually originated in Italy. The term first appeared in the 15th century in a cookbook by Martino da Como, a notable chef of his time. While vermicelli describes long, thin pasta in Italy, similar noodles in Asia go by different names and aren’t typically called vermicelli.
You might find it surprising, but some of our favourite pasta shapes are pretty new! For example, penne was invented in 1865 by Giovanni Battista Capurro, who made a machine to cut pasta into those cool angled tubes. He even got a patent for it on March 11th that year, so Penne actually has a birthday!
Orecchiette is one of those pasta shapes that’s not just cute but super practical. Originating from Puglia, Italy, its ‘little ear’ shape is perfect for holding onto sauces. The pasta’s cup-like form and rough texture make it ideal for scooping up both light and hearty sauces, ensuring you get a taste of deliciousness in every bite.
And that’s a wrap! We’ve taken a fun tour of your favourite pasta shapes, and it turns out there’s more to pasta than just looking good. These shapes not only make your meals more interesting but also really bring out the flavor. So, enjoy your next pasta dish with a whole new appreciation!
