18 February, 2023
THE ORIGIN OF PASTA
The Origin of Pasta
Although Pasta seems to be associated with Italy, it did not originate there. Pasta in Italy came via the Silk Road and flourished there as a traditional dish. Italians developed their entire culture and cuisine around Pasta and it is now recognised worldwide.
Pasta comes in various Shapes and Sizes from classic tube-like Rigatoni to grain size Acini Di Pepe. To know in detail about its shapes and types, click the Link here https://foodiegarima.com/pasta-types-and-shapes/
The Story Of Pasta Origin:
According to a belief, “Marco Polo” brought Pasta to Italy from China during the 13th century.
Marco Polo was a renowned merchant from Venice and his father and uncle used to travel via the Silk Road to visit countries like China. One day, they took Marco Polo along with them. (Silk Route is a trade route that links China with the west.)
Kublai Khan, the Emperor of China was so impressed by Marco’s intelligence he appointed Marco as his messenger and sent him on many diplomatic missions. This made Marco visit multiple Asian countries including extensively traveling inside China.
Marco Polo had a habit of maintaining his travel records. That time, Europe lacked a number of things which were commonly seen in Asian countries. He recorded all those things which existed in Asia such as Noodle Making and the way China Produced Silk.
After 24 years he returned back to Venice. But the country of Venice was battling a war with Genoa. He was captured and imprisoned for next 8 years of his life. He used to share his travel stories with cellmate. These stories were so firmly embedded in his mind that he wrote a detailed book of his travel experience “The Travels Of MarcoPolo” as soon as he was liberated.
This is how Marco Polo introduced the “Chinese Noodles” to Italy during the 13th century.
When people asked for the recipe, they got to know that it is just a “Paste”, a flour based Paste or dough. This is how the name was derived and those Noodles eventually became Italian Pasta.
Italians replaced the ingredients and used Durum Wheat to make the pasta.
Another Belief Of Its Origin:
Some legends claim the pasta was introduced to Italy by some Arab traders who came to Italy from Asia via the Silk Road.
Many countries including Italy itself claim to be the first place of the origin of Pasta. Whatever the truth is, this dish has made everyone obsessed with it.
Popularity In America:
Thomas Jefferson during his travels to Italy tasted a Macaroni dish and fell in love with the dish so much. When he returned back to the United States, he gave a push to the popularity of Pasta.