The story of the instant ramen noodle is amazing!
At the end of World War 2, hunger was a serious problem in Japan. Observing lines 20 or 30 people deep, waiting to buy ramen noodles at vendors' stalls, Momofuku Ando started experimenting, looking for a way to make the popular and nutritious ramen noodle safe and easy to eat, cook, and store.
In 1958, Momofuku Ando started Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. of Japan. In 1972, instant ramen was introduced to the USA. Members of the International Ramen Manufacturers Association now feed outrageous quantities of instant noodles to the world, including supplying large quantities of instant ramen to victims of natural disasters.
In a survey taken on the eve of the new millenium, Ramen noodles were conclusively voted the #1 most influential item manufactured in Japan in the 20th century!
If you should ever happen to be in Japan, be sure to visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture.
Momofuku Ando died at the age of 96 in 2007. His New York Times obituary is at this link.
Monday, August 11, 2008
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2 comments:
I love your blog, Mom! I like the little history lessons on foods; it's really interesting. Keep it up!
This cooking blog is scrumptious! It has more flavor each time I revisit for seconds ...and the tidbits of history thrown in are positively tantalizing! Congratulations on a culiterary masterpiece! And of course, bon appetit!
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