Fresh pasta (pasta fresca) was invented in Ancient Rome and was created by mixing water with semolina flour. Durum wheat, a robust crop in Italy’s temperate environment, is used to make this essential ingredient. Fresh pasta, unlike the dried spaghetti seen in today’s supermarkets, was designed to be eaten right away. The roots of dry pasta are supposed to date back to the 8th century Arab invasions of Sicily (pasta secca). Palermo was generating large quantities of the new commodity at the time. In some recipes, such as those with raisins and cinnamon, there is still an Arabic influence.
Because of its lengthy shelf life and nutritional value, dried pasta became particularly popular in the 1300s for use on long naval excursions. These journeys contributed to the popularity of pasta around the world and led to advancements in its form and technology. Back in Italy, pasta was slowly making its way north to Naples, arriving in the 17th century. Pasta became a national icon as a result of a few historical occurrences. During the Risorgimento (Italian Unification) in the mid-1860s, it became a culinary staple. Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian politician and general, introduced the country to Pellegrino Artusi’s cookbook La Scienza in cucina e l’Arte I Mangiar bene, which featured pasta. In the nineteenth century, tomato sauce was introduced to Italy, but it was regarded with mistrust. Because the tomato is a member of the nightshade family, it was once thought to be inedible im many places; nevertheless, such rumours were quickly disproved. The Italian Diaspora, a vast exodus of Italians from their homeland between the Unification and World War I, was the most recent major event to have an impact on pasta’s early history. During these difficult times, Italians took greater satisfaction in honing their culinary skills.
Pasta Varieties
Pasta fresca (fresh) and pasta secca (sealed) are the two main classifications (dried). There are over 400 different types of pasta to choose from, including sheets, strips, long strands, cylinders, distinctive forms, tastes, and many other regional variations. There are more names for pasta than the mind can remember, but they’re all manufactured with the same basic ingredients: 100 percent durum wheat flour and water with a certain ratio of acidity and humidity as required by Italian law. Egg yolk, spinach, tomato sauce, chocolate, and even squid ink can be used to give light flavours and hues to pasta in addition to the basics. When properly presented, each of these pastas produces its own distinct dining experience. Another important component of the experience is the pairing of pasta with a complementary sauce. The shape and texture of pasta can serve as a sort of code for choosing the right sauce. The following is a basic rule of thumb: thick pasta = heavy sauce, light pasta = light sauce.
Pasta in a fresh state
Pasta fresca, the base of all pastas, is made with higher humidity, and some varieties are only available in this category. Regional differences are common. Northern Italy is known for using all-purpose flour and eggs, whereas southern Italy is recognised for using semolina and water. Emilia-Romagna is known for having the greatest fresh pasta in Italy, and it frequently serves fresh pasta with cream sauces. Another regional variety can be found in Piedmont, which uses butter and black truffles frequently. Potatoes and ricotta are among the other ingredients.
When manufacturing dried pasta, certain instruments are required. The pasta is first pressed through perforations in a die-plate and onto cutting sheets. The next step is to dry everything out. Pasta secca is only regarded true pasta if it is created the traditional Italian technique, by slow-drying it in a copper mould for up to fifty hours before drying it in the open air. The rest of the world often dries pasta in steel moulds for short periods of time at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a subpar product. Italians are proud of their process, which results in a smoother-tasting, faster-cooking pasta that retains its sauce.
