Lasagne, vermicelli, ravioli, mostaccioli, and tagliarini are only a small part of the Italian phenomenon known as pasta. Including macaroni, spaghetti and noodles, these may appear in the shape of small shells, long strings, puffy filled squares or flat, wide noodles. It is estimated that there are more than 150 commercial shapes of these wheat pastes that help balance the family budget and intrigue children and gourmets too.

Many stories tell of the origin of pasta. These include stories of ancient Romans eating pasta products with cheese and of Marco Polo who is supposed to have brought macaroni back from China.

Baked or boiled, served with oil and garlic, tomato sauce, or just plain butter, pasta is an integral part of the Italian cuisine.

The quality depends almost entirely upon the wheat used. The pastes made from durum wheat break with a clean sharp edge and keep their shape during cooking. Noodles are made of a similar dough but have eggs or egg yolks added.

Homemakers should use more of this wheat paste family because it is easy to use, quick to cook, and its bland flavor blends well with meats, soups, cheese, eggs, fish, and vegetables. When combined with protein foods, and accompanied by a green salad, they make a well rounded meal.