Fun Facts about Noodles

Learn 12 facts about noodles for National Noodle Month

Noodles are one of the most diverse foods on the planet, so no wonder they would have their own month dedicated to it. March is National Noodle Month and here are some fun facts about this versatile food:

12 Facts about Noodles

1. The first noodle was made thousands of years ago in China

This food dates back all the way to 2000 B.C. in China. It was made from millet, a type of cereal grain.

2. They were once considered a luxury item

Before it became a budget-friendly take-out option, noodles were sold as a luxury item.

3. Japan invented instant ramen

Noodles became an important food in Japan during World War II. The country experienced a shortage of food in those days and the only food item easily available was dried noodles which later gained the status of the staple food of the country.

4. They are one of the cheapest meals to eat

Did you know it would cost you about $140 per year if you ate ramen for every meal every day?

5. Slurping is proper

Slurping anything is considered poor etiquette in Western culture, but slurping your noodles in Asian culture is considered an appreciation for your meal.

6. They are considered good for health

Noodles are an excellent source of energy and are high in vitamins and minerals like iron, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin as well as containing low sodium content and low-fat content.

7. Pho is pronounced ‘fuh’ not ‘foh’

Pho was influenced by French colonies, and the name was derived from the French dish “pot-au-feu.”

8. There is a museum in Japan dedicated to Cup Noodles

The Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum, located in Yokohama, Japan, is an interactive museum dedicated to the world’s first instant ramen telling its origin story from humble beginnings to the mark of a global dietary movement.

9. Noodles have been to space

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi took instant ramen when he went to space in 2005. Nissin Food came up with zero-gravity instant noodles shaped like balls that space travelers could easily consume.

10. Laws on noodles

By federal law, a noodle must contain 5.5 percent egg solids to be called a noodle.

11. This word may not mean what you think it means…

The word “noodle” was derived in the 18th century from the German word “nutel” meaning “dumpling,” or, more literally, a “turd” or “small knot.”

12. Keep on noodling

The longest noodle measures 3,084 m (10,119 ft 1.92 in) and was achieved by Xiangnian Food Co., Ltd. in Nanyang, Henan, China, on 28 October 2017.

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