Instant noodle inventor dies

gldstwmn · #1 01-06-2007, 11:45 PM

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/ins...777314698.html

Momofuku Ando, the founder-chairman of Nissin Food Products Co, who was widely known as the inventor of instant noodles, has died of heart failure at a hospital in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, his family said. He was 96.

Born on March 5, 1910 in Taiwan, Ando initially ran clothing companies in Taipei and Osaka while he was a student at Ritsumeikan University.

In 1948, he founded the precursor of Nissin, before introducing Chicken Ramen, the world's first instant noodle product, in 1958.

Ando was inspired to develop the instant noodle after coming upon a long line of people on a cold night shortly after World War II waiting to buy freshly made ramen at a black market food stall, according to Nissin. The experience convinced him that "Peace will come to the world when the people have enough to eat," it said.

In 1971, Nissin introduced the Cup Noodle, instant noodles in a waterproof styrofoam container that could be used to cook the noodles, ahead of his competitors.

Dubbed the Ramen King, Ando is credited with expanding Nissin into the No.1 company in the industry and was well-known for his dedication to his job.

Kei Kizugawa, head of the Kamigata Geino journal, said Ando was a great food product inventor whose accomplishment equals that of Konosuke Matsu****a, the founder of Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co. and known in Japan as the Father of Consumer Electronics.

"I believe generation after generation will talk about Chicken Ramen. I don't think there will ever be an instant noodle product that beats the taste of Chicken Ramen," Kizugawa said.

Ando became a chairman after handing over the presidency in 1981 to his eldest son, but came to double as the president again two years later after having a conflict over the company's policy, including development of new products.

In 1999, Ando opened the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Ikeda after posting his second son, Koki, as the president.

Ando retired from chairman's post in June 2005 to serve as founder-chairman.

In July 2005, Nissin introduced a vacuum packed instant noodle specially designed for Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi to eat during the US space shuttle Discovery's mission.

Showcasing his Space Ram noodles in front of reporters, Ando said: "I'm happy I've realised my dream that noodles can go into space."

strandinthewind · #2 01-06-2007, 11:46 PM

OMG - the snowed in life is getting to you

gldstwmn · #3 01-06-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

OMG - the snowed in life is getting to you

Yes it really is.

And I thought it was important to honor the ma responsible for feeding so many of us in our "lean" years.

strandinthewind · #4 01-07-2007, 12:00 AM

I have friends that still eat them and are no longer in their lean years

I have used them in an oriental salad - but never alone.

irishgrl · #5 01-07-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

Yes it really is.

And I thought it was important to honor the ma responsible for feeding so many of us in our "lean" years.

Well I salute him

And Im glad you posted this. To think, ramen has gone where no other noodle has gone before...........the final frontier.........

DavidMn · #6 01-07-2007, 04:46 PM

He has been the hero of cheap gourmets everywhere!

Karlie · #7 01-07-2007, 05:08 PM

Instant noodles are one of the greatest inventions of all time.

DavidMn · #8 01-07-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlie

Instant noodles are one of the greatest inventions of all time.

Ramen chicken flavor with butter is to die for!

HomerMcvie · #9 01-07-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I have friends that still eat them and are no longer in their lean years

I have used them in an oriental salad - but never alone.

I have a couple chinese recipes that call for them. I bought a 12 pack box, like 3 years ago. I think there are still 10 in the box!

JazmenFlowers · #10 01-07-2007, 06:39 PM

lord this man pretty much fed me all through college. rip.

skcin · #11 01-08-2007, 01:46 PM

Aw. God bless the Ramen noodle guy.

chiliD · #12 01-08-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlie

Instant noodles are one of the greatest inventions of all time.

If you can tolerate that much sodium. Each cup has twice my daily limit of sodium.

It's "hypertention" in a cup.

skcin · #13 01-08-2007, 01:53 PM

^ I think she's 16. I'm assuming she won't have to be too concerned about sodium yet.

BTW - I do love them, but I agree with Chili, they are really bad for you. People think that because they're noodles, they're pretty healthy. But 1 pack (which is supposed to serve 2 people

) has like 20 grams of fat in it. They're fried, I believe. So yeah, they're bad. But so good.

Sarah · #14 01-08-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skcin

But 1 pack (which is supposed to serve 2 people

) has like 20 grams of fat in it. They're fried, I believe. So yeah, they're bad. But so good.

that's why i prefer udon noodles. 1 pack = 250 calories and 1 gram of fat.

DavidMn · #15 01-08-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skcin

^ I think she's 16. I'm assuming she won't have to be too concerned about sodium yet.

BTW - I do love them, but I agree with Chili, they are really bad for you. People think that because they're noodles, they're pretty healthy. But 1 pack (which is supposed to serve 2 people

) has like 20 grams of fat in it. They're fried, I believe. So yeah, they're bad. But so good.

Since when was ANYTHING that didnt cost much good for you?