Did Marco Polo bring pasta to Italy?
The story that Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy from China is a myth. Pasta was already being eaten in Italy before his travels.
Where were the oldest noodles found?
The oldest known noodles, about 4,000 years old and made from millet, were found preserved in a bowl at the Lajia archaeological site in China.
What does "al dente" mean?
"Al dente" means "to the tooth" in Italian and describes pasta cooked so it's still slightly firm when you bite it.
How much pasta do Italians eat?
Italians eat about 50 pounds (roughly 23 kilograms) of pasta per person each year, more than any other country.
Which Founding Father helped popularize pasta in the US?
Thomas Jefferson fell in love with macaroni in Europe and had pasta shipped to the US, helping make it popular in America.
What was the spaghetti tree hoax?
On April Fools' Day in 1957, the BBC aired a fake report showing Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees, and many viewers believed it.
Who created fettuccine Alfredo?
Fettuccine Alfredo was created by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome in the early 1900s and became famous in the US after Hollywood stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks raved about it.
When was Kraft Macaroni & Cheese introduced?
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese was introduced in 1937 during the Great Depression as a cheap, filling meal that could feed a family.
What is Italian dried pasta made from?
Italian law requires dried pasta made in Italy to be made from durum wheat semolina, which gives it its firm texture.
How many pasta shapes are there?
There are hundreds of pasta shapes, with many estimates topping 300, and each shape is designed to hold different kinds of sauces.