Management

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Instant noodles

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Instant noodles in a typical block-like form

Instant noodles are dried or precooked noodles and are often sold with packets of flavoring including seasoning oil. Dried noodles are usually eaten after being cooked or soaked in boiling water, while precooked noodles can be reheated or eaten straight from the packet. Instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Andō of Nissin Foods, Japan.[1]

Contents  [hide]  * 1 History * 2 Health concerns * 3 Instant noodles worldwide * 4 Vegetarian flavors * 5 See also * 6 References * 7 External links |

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[edit]History

A package of Nissin Chikin Ramen, the first instant noodles.

Instant noodles were first marketed in Japan on August 25, 1958, under the brand nameChikin Ramen (チキンラーメン) by Momofuku Ando[2], who was born in southwesternTaiwan when the island was under Japanese colonial rule. Momofuku developed the production methodology of flash frying the noodles after they had been made, creating "instant" noodles. This step dried the noodles and gave them a longer shelf life. Chikin Ramen itself was distinctly different from modern instant noodles in that each block of noodles was pre-seasoned and sold for 35 Yen. Initially, due to its price and novelty, Chikin Ramen was considered a luxury item,[3] as Japanese grocery stores typically sold fresh noodles for one-sixth their price.[4]. Despite this, instant noodles eventually gained immense popularity, especially after being promoted by Mitsubishi Corporation.[5]

In 1971, Nissin introduced the Cup Noodles, instant noodles in a waterproof polystyrene cup, to which boiling water could be added to cook the...