NATIONAL NOODLE DAY

National Noodle Day

NATIONAL NOODLE DAY

Sound the alarms! Break out the big pots! October 6th is the day we’ve all been waiting for--National Noodle Day! For 24 hours we are dedicated to celebrating those glorious, wiggly, slippery, saucy strands of pure joy. So, what’s your noodle of choice?

If you somehow missed National Linguine Day last month (the horror!), consider this your official, carb-loaded redemption. No noodle left behind!

#NationalNoodleDay

Technically, a noodle is just some unleavened dough that’s been rolled out and cut into shapes. But we know it’s so much more than that. It’s the hero of soups, the star of stir-fries, and the perfect vessel for literally any sauce you can dream up. These globetrotting carbs come in every shape and size imaginable. From the flat and fabulous to the short and sassy, every noodle has a personality and a purpose.

The word noodle derives from the German word nudel.

Noodles are made by rolling unleavened dough out and cutting into a variety of shapes.  While long, flat noodles may seem to be the most common, they come in several forms, names, and textures.  And each kind of noodle pairs differently with sauces and meals.

So, who do we thank for this culinary marvel? Get ready for some drama.

Found in regions all over the world, noodles are made from a variety of flours.  In Asian cuisine, root vegetables, such as yams and potatoes, beans, rice, wheat, and buckwheat are all found in a wide assortment of noodles. Europeans make most of their pasta from durum or semolina flour, though potato noodles a enjoyed as well.

The method of making noodles from wheat or rice flour, as we commonly know them today, likely developed later in Chinese history, with some historians suggesting it may have occurred during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE).

Noodles also have a significant history in Italy, with pasta being a staple in Italian cuisine. The earliest recorded reference to pasta in Italy is in the 13th century, but it is likely that pasta was being made and consumed before then.

In 2002, archaeologists along the Yellow River in China found an earthenware bowl containing some 4000-year-old noodles which had been well preserved. However, this historic find may not have been the same type of noodles we are familiar with today. Either way, noodles have a complex and ancient history, with different cultures contributing to their development over time.

6 Common Noodles Around the World

Let's give a round of applause for some of the most common noodle legends:

  1. Rice noodles - The light, springy foundation for delicious dishes like Phở and Pad Thai.

  2. Ramen - Your college roommate who got a glow-up and is now a gourmet superstar.

  3. Spaghetti - The OG twirl-master. King of meatballs, master of marinara.

  4. Fettuccine - The dramatic, ribbon-like noodle that demands a creamy Alfredo sauce.

  5. Lasagna - Not just a noodle, but a glorious, cheesy brick of happiness.

  6. Egg noodles - The cozy, comforting noodle that feels like a hug in a bowl of soup.

7 WAYS TO ENJOY NATIONAL NOODLE DAY

National Noodle Day is one food holiday we can provide tons of ways to enjoy and celebrate.

  1. Cook your favorite noodle dishes at home and host a noodle tasting party.

  2. Try a new noodle recipe, such as Vietnamese pho or Italian pappardelle.

  3. Attend a homemade noodle class and then try what you learned at home for family and friends. Once you become an expert, you can host your own noodle-making party at home.

  4. Make noodle art using different shapes and sizes with your kids or grandkids.

  5. Celebrate by giving back by donate boxes of noodles to your local food bank or pantry. Noodles have a long shelf life and make a great donation item.

  6. Research the history of noodles and learn about the cultural significance across regions around the world.

  7. Have a bowl of your favorite noodles and use #NationalNoodleDay to post on social media.

Just For Fun

Let's test your noodle allegiance. Can you say this 5 times fast? "Sally sells slippery, slender, sesame seed noodles swiftly."

"Sally sells slippery, slender, sesame seed noodles swiftly."

NATIONAL NOODLE DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.