68 - Types of pasta and transmission of the recipes in Italy In the Italian tradition, there is a multitude of different types of pasta. Some are short and some are long. Some are linear and some are twisted. Some are typical of a region or a city, while others are common throughout the country. There are no rules when it comes to types of pasta. It is really difficult for me to choose the best one. It depends on how it is cooked and on condiment, there is not one which is perfect in all circumstances. This is the a thing which I am sure of. Recent studies have shown that more than 300 different types of pasta are known in Italy. This is a perfect example to underline the richness of the Italian culinary tradition, which seems to be limitless. In fact, new recipes are discovered in ancient books or bring to the fore by the famous Italian chefs every year. However, the main actors of this opera are the many grandmothers and grandfathers who carry on the tradition. Not only they teach what they know, including all the secret family recipes (which are a very common custom in Italian families), to their sons and daughters, but even to their nephews. They are the culinary knowledge base, speaking in computer term, and without their effort the tradition would be slowly lost. Therefore, they are the pillar of one of the most important tracts of the country's culture and no thanks would ever be enough.