On October 25th, we celebrate World Pasta Day, a dish that we love (and cook) more and more. Here are some inspirations for enjoying it to the fullest, along with a few curiosities you might not know.

Pasta is the most beloved and frequenty cooked dish- the one that never gets refused and that instantly feels like home. It’s a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, celebrated every day, but especially on October 25th, World Pasta Day. This event, organized by Unione Italiana Food and International Pasta Organization (IPO), shares pasta consumption data and promotes a special charitable initiative.

Beloved Pasta: we eat twice as much as ten years ago

Imagine a “snake” over 7 million kilometers long—enough for 10 round trips to the Moon or to circle the equator 190 times. This is the length we would get if we lined up all the packages of spaghetti, fusilli, and other pasta consumed worldwide in 2020. We’re talking about around 17 million tons of pasta, 1 million more than the previous record in 2019, and double the amount eaten ten years ago, with Italy leading in production, consumption (each Italian eats 23 kg per year), and export of this staple food.

Since October 25, 1998, when World Pasta Day was established, pasta production has seen significant growth, increasing from around 9 million tons at that time to nearly 17 million today, with a 1.8% rise recorded in 2021 alone. The numbers have nearly doubled, and one constant throughout this period has been Italy’s role as the leading global producer. Italy remains at the top of the production charts, with 3.6 million tons in 2022 (a 3.2% increase from 2021) and revenue approaching 7 billion euros (+24.3% compared to 2021).

In addition to being major producers, Italians are also passionate consumers.
Italy tops the list for pasta consumption, with an annual per capita consumption of 23 kg, surpassing countries like Tunisia (17 kg) and Venezuela (12 kg). According to the latest data from Unione Italiana Food and International Pasta Organization (IPO), Italy  consumed over 1.3 million tons of pasta in 2022. Recent research by AstraRicerche indicates that the trend is expected to continue, with over 30% of Italians predicting increased consumption domestically and 40% expecting a rise in international consumption. In line with these celebrations, key industry associations are focusing on honoring these impressive milestones while exploring new consumption trends and innovative preparation methods.

Pasta facts: from origins to the erm “Pastasciutta”

World Pasta Day is also an opportunity to explore the history of pasta and uncover some interesting facts about this beloved ingredient. For instance, did you know that an early version of lasagna existed during Roman times, and that dry pasta was probably invented by the Arabs to ensure food supplies during long desert travels?

And have you ever wondered why we say “pastasciutta” despite the many sauces? If you think about how pasta is cooked—you boil it in water and then drain it—it goes from being “wet” to “dry,” unlike soup, which remains liquid.

Pasta: a global treasure

Pasta is far more than just a food; it’s a cultural heritage that transcends national boundaries, connecting people worldwide. Its universal popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, pasta’s versatility allows for a wide range of preparations, from simple, light dishes to complex gourmet creations. Secondly, its affordability makes it accessible to people from all walks of life, cementing its role as a staple in family kitchens around the globe. Additionally, pasta is a nutritious food, rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. When included in a balanced diet, it provides essential nutrients without compromising health—something Italians, as champions of the Mediterranean diet, particularly enjoy.

Iconic Pasta varieties around the world

One of pasta’s most captivating aspects is its diversity.
Every region has developed versions with unique shapes, textures, and flavors. Here are some of the most iconic types:

1. Spaghetti: Perhaps the most recognizable pasta, spaghetti is long, thin, and cylindrical. It pairs well with various sauces, including tomato and ragù, among countless others.
2. Penne: These short, tubular, and ridged pasta pieces are perfect for capturing sauces, commonly used with creamy or tomato-based sauces.
3. Lasagne: This layered pasta is ideal for rich, oven-baked dishes. The term “lasagna” refers not only to the pasta sheets but also to the well-known dish that includes ragù and béchamel sauce, a favorite among both adults and children.
4. Ravioli: This stuffed pasta can be filled with ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. Ravioli is often served with butter or sauce and is especially popular in Central Italy and much of Asia.
5. Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but flat, linguine pairs well with seafood or fish-based sauces.
6. Udon: Also from Japan, udon noodles are thicker and softer than soba, commonly served in soups and broths.
7. Couscous: Hailing from North Africa, couscous consists of tiny grains of durum wheat semolina, often served as a base for meat or vegetable stews.
8. Soba: Originating from Japan, soba are buckwheat noodles usually served cold with a dipping sauce called tsuyu.
9. Dumpling: Stuffed pasta ravioli, usually with pork and prawns, steamed and served with a soya mix base, a typical dish from China.
10. Manti: Typical ravioli from the Middle East, especially common in  Turkey, filled with beef mince and a mix of spices, served with garlic butter and yogurt.