Historically, official mention of the term "spaghetto" can be traced back to the first dictionary of the Italian language by Nicolò Tommaseo and Bernardo Bellini (1819). The word "spaghetto" was included as the "masculine singular diminutive of spago (thread)" and mention is made of "Minestra di Spaghetti" (spaghetti soup) which is pasta the size of a long, thin thread such as sopracapellini (type of spaghetti)". An interesting fact: in 1957, the BBC aired the first documentary on the production of spaghetti and the day after, the television studios were inundated by phone calls from viewers asking for the name of the producers and distributors of spaghetti so they could buy some.
Spaghetti is so versatile that it can be served with any condiment, from fish to meat, from vegetables to cheese, but is also excellent served just with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of parmesan.
Available in 500g pack.
The Grattata pasta (gratings) belongs to the minute pasta family to be cooked in broth.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the province of Trieste in particular, but also in other regions such as Tuscany and Basilicata, this type of broth was used as a starter at important meals, like wedding receptions, for example. It was thought that it stimulated the appetite in readiness for the rich, hearty dishes that were to follow.
In Umbria, on the other hand, it was cooked for nursing mothers in goose or pork broth.
Grattata pasta is especially good for preparing clear soups such as broths or consommé, enhanced with croutons or vegetables cut in julienne strips.
This pasta can be used in thick creamy or velvety soups.
Available in 250g packs.