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AROUND THE WORLD 2: World’s Oldest Noodles Discovered

Noodles believed to be 4,000 years old were discovered at an archeological site in Lajia, China. Through radiocarbon dating, scientists discovered the age of these noodles. These scientists also believe that the noodles were made from millet grass instead of the flour that is used to make noodles today. Researchers have also compared these noodles to a style called La-Mian that is still made in modern China.

The old noodles were preserved in a bowl amongst the ruins of this site, and were believed to have been buried due to a sudden flood. Researchers say that the noodles survived for so long due to a vacuum effect created by the overturned bowl.

Some researchers believe that this settles the debate about who invented the noodle. Many have argued about whether the Italians or the Chinese were the first to invent noodles. Prior to this discovery, the oldest noodles ever found were less than 2,000 years old. For these researchers, this discovery settles the argument. The Chinese earn credit for being the first to make and eat noodles.

--Written by Wendy Owen

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