Asian Noodles versus Pasta

Asian noodles and certain Italian pasta products (e.g., spaghetti) are sometimes confusing to consumers because they appear to be quite similar. This may be one of the causes contributing to the ongoing debate about whether these two products are related or have a common origin. Oriental noodles are one of the oldest forms of processed foods consumed in Asia. For thousands of years, noodles have been considered as a major dietary component of many Asians. The history of noodles can be dated back at least to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) in China. In the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), Chinese noodles were introduced to Japan by the Japanese envoy to China. Gradually, noodles were spread from China to other Asian countries and beyond. During the 13th century, Marco Polo brought the Chinese noodle-making technology back to Europe, where noodles were evolved into current pasta products. Pasta is one of the most common and popular staple foods thanks to its sensory and nutritional value, convenience, and versatility. It is reported that about 14.3 million tons of pasta are produced annually worldwide. The main producer is Italy, followed by the United States, Brazil, Turkey, and Russia. Although oriental noodles and pastas look somewhat similar in shape, there are key differences between them in ingredients used, the process involved and their consumption patterns. Asian noodles are different from pasta products in ingredients used, the processes involved and their consumption patterns. Pasta is made from semolina (coarse flour usually milled from durum wheat) and water, and extruded through a metal die under pressure. It is a dried product. After cooking, pasta is often eaten with sauces. Asian noodles are characterized by thin strips slit from a sheeted dough that has been made from flour (hard and soft wheats), water and salt— common salt or alkaline salt. Noodles are often consumed in soup. Eggs can be added to each product to give a firmer texture. Zhengzhou Dongfang Naomu Food Machinery Co., Ltd., a leading company in the production of noodle machine, has been instrumental in refining the traditional noodle-making techniques and introducing innovative products to the market.