Orzo means "barley" in Italian because of its grain-shape. This pasta, shaped like a melon seed, belongs to what Italians call pastina: pasta that is used in soups. Unfortunately, this shape is often made with very low-gluten quality semolina, so it becomes mushy and unpleasant. Unlike common orzo however, this orzo from Rustichella d'Abruzzo keeps its shape and texture and has a pleasurable bite and texture.
