Ditalini [ditaˈliːni] (Italian: "small thimbles", also referred to as tubettini) is a type of pasta that is shaped like small tubes. It has been described as "thimble-sized" and as "very short macaroni". In some areas it is also called "salad macaroni." During the industrial age in Apulia, Italy, increased development of ditali and other short-cut pastas occurred. In contemporary times, it is a mass-produced pasta. It is used in several dishes, and is commonly used throughout Sicily.