Long Reads
Why Italy Has Hundreds of Pasta Shapes: The North-South Divide Explained
Italy's vast array of pasta shapes is rooted in a North-South agricultural divide: Northern regions use soft wheat and eggs for rich doughs, while Southern Italy employs durum wheat and water for robust, hand-shaped forms. This distinction explains regional pasta types, their textures, and ideal sauce pairings.
Aisha Abasi·November 1, 2026
