Wheat Foods in History

Marco Polo gets the historical nod for introducing pasta to Italy upon his return from exploring the Far East in the late 13th century but there is plenty of evidence to show pasta’s roots go much farther back in time. Drawings from a fourth century B.C. Etruscan tomb show natives making a food resembling pasta and the Chinese were making noodles as early as 3000 B.C.

Thomas Jefferson is said to have brought the first “maccaroni” machine to the newly-formed United States of America in 1789 following a stint as ambassador to France.  Colonists followed the English practice of boiling the noodles for at least a half hour, and then topping with cream sauce and cheese.

Source:  National Pasta Association