Welcome to our series featuring Food Holidays: October 16th, 2022. Did you know today is National Pasta Day? I don’t know about you but Lasagna sure sounds good for dinner this evening. If Charlie were to choose Pasta he would want to go to Olive Garden. While David would choose to make Spaghetti at home. What would you do on National Pasta Day and why?
National Pasta Day
WHAT IS NATIONAL PASTA DAY?
National Pasta day is a holiday that is celebrated on October 17th. The folks who created Pasta definitely knew what they were doing. Hundreds of years of Italian tradition go into Pasta. Each October, we devote a day to Pasta. Pasta come in many shapes and sizes but no matter the form, Pasta is something nearly every American Family has grown up with.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PASTA DAY
Spaghetti, Fettuccini, Macaroni, and Ravioli: Pasta is undoubtably one of our favorite comfort foods. But do we know how Pasta became so popular here in the States? Or where Pasta even came from? The origins of Pasta are a little difficult to trace, but many researchers support the theory that Marco Polo brought Noodles back to Italy upon returning from a trip to China in 1271.
Though this theory supports a tale of discovery and adventure, Marco Polo’s travels are all retold through second hand sources, making the accuracy questionable. However, if Marco Polo did bring Pasta back to Italy, he certain wasn’t the first to do so. Pasta was already a popular dish in Italy by the early 13th Century. Other historians have traced Pasta back to ancient Etruscan Civilizations, who would grind Cereals and Grains before mixing them with Water to produce their own Pasta-like Carbohydrate.
Pasta was brought to America by early Spanish settlers, but wasn’t popular until Thomas Jefferson made a trip to Paris and fell in love with Macaroni. Which, at the time, referred to any Pasta shape. Years later, when a large group of Italian immigrants moved from Italy to America, Pasta became a staple and obtainable meal in the United States.
NATIONAL PASTA DAY ACTIVITIES
- Did you know there are approximately 350 different types of Pasta around the world? Mimic your favorite Pasta or invent a unique Pasta shape. You could choose a basic Pasta Dough recipe and then let the creativity run wild!
- For those of you who ever played a sport or have just grown up with Pasta, there’s nothing better than sharing a table with a group of teammates, or family and bonding over a plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs. Whatever the occasion, invite friends over to rekindle the joy of this family-friendly classic food dish.
- Are you craving those carbs? Today is your ultimate cheat day. Make a reservation at your favorite Pasta place and indulge in Pasta.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL PASTA DAY
- Pasta is a timeless dish that brings back childhood memories, yet is still enjoyed far beyond childhood. Pasta is not only ageless, but also enjoyed by both the seasoned chef and the less experienced foodie alike. Who knew that the Pasta used in your Ramen could be used in a gourmet meal?
- Pasta crosses culture and dietary boundaries like almost no other single food. Pasta is simple, accessible, and convenient, which makes Pasta the perfect food to enjoy amongst family. In fact, Pasta, Meat, and Rice are the three most popular foods enjoyed around the globe. Next time you’re hosting a dinner party, keep in mind Pasta is a real crowd-pleaser.
- Pasta shapes and colors vary due to cultural differences, ingredients, and Sauce they’re paired with. Americans typically like more popularized shapes like Spaghetti or Fettuccine, whereas Italians prefer shapes that can hold more Sauce. Kids can even get Pasta in the shape of their favorite cartoon character including Spongebob Mac & Cheese.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
