Italian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political changes, with roots stretching to antiquity. Italian cuisine is simple and a number of dishes having only four to eight ingredients. They rely mostly on the quality of ingredients rather than elaborate preparation. Noteworthy changes in italian cuisine happened with the discovery of the new world and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, which are now an integral part of this cuisine. Italian cuisine is known for its regional diversity each with a distinct taste. This cuisine today is probably one of the most popular in the world.