Q: I would like to know why noodles and such food that do not contain leavening agents such as yeast or baking powder would be considered 'leavened' during Pesach. (Passover) I would like to know why noodles and such food that do not contain leavening agents such as yeast or baking powder would be considered 'leavened' during Pesach. (Passover) To clarify, why would 'leavened breads' be addressed and forbidden, rather than 'grains'. Or is it any grains that have taken longer than 15 minutes to cook once they came into contact with moisture?
A: In the traditional kitchen, no yeast was added explicitly to breads. The yeast were in the air, on every surface, from the long usage of the kitchen. So any time you add water to any type of flour, it is considered to become leavened (from yeast in the environment) unless it is fully cooked within 15 minutes. [Later] Yes, it is any grain which takes too long to cook. It is perfectly allowed to make your own matza at home, you just have to follow some basic rules, and work quickly!