The Remarkable History of Pizza
Summary
Pizza has ancient origins, with early versions traced back to civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. However, the modern pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. Initially a simple dish with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, pizza gained popularity and evolved into various styles worldwide. Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to its global recognition and diverse adaptations, from New York-style to Chicago deep-dish. Today, pizza is a beloved international dish with countless regional variations.
A Italian Delight
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Pizza is a universal cuisine that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Whether enjoyed with friends or family or devoured late-night cravings, it is an irresistible delight that knows no boundaries. However, the history of pizza is veiled in mystery and often subjected to misconceptions. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the real history of pizza and shed light on its fascinating origins, cultural significance, and transformative journey through time.
Pizza comes from the dialectal pinza from the Latin pinsere, which means to pound or stamp. Other etymologists suggest it is related to the Lombardic word bizzo or pizzo, which means mouthful, and is related to the English word bite. Guiseppe Nocca, a food culture historian, discovered the word pizza in an official document in 997 AD. The paper was in latin from southern italy, specifically the city of Gaeta. On May 15th National Pizza Party Day is celebrated around the World.
The Origin of Pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of similar flatbreads being consumed in various cultures. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had their versions of flatbreads topped with a variety of Ingredients, since thousand years. However, It was in Naples, Italy, that pizza as we know it today began to take shape.
Naples too has a long history, dating back to 600 BC. when the Greeks first settled it. Overtime, Naples became a thriving city on water. In 16th century, a galette flatbread was referred to as a pizza; it was known as a dish for poor people, particularly as street food, and was not considered a kitchen recipe until much later. It was not until the Spanish brought the Tomato from the Americans and developed the modern variation that Pizzas in their modern conceptions were invented. It is said that the tomato reached the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, at the time of Spanish Empire.
Flatbreads sold by street vendors were then topped with tomatoes, cheese, garlic, anchovies, oil became the food of the time, available for every meal and easily affordable for all. And thus, Pizza was born, even from the beginning people have been eating pizza for breakfast!
During the 18th century, Naples became the hub of the burgeoning pizza culture. The city's vibrant street food scene provided the perfect breeding ground for the evolution of pizza. Simple yet flavorful ingredients were combined on a flatbread base, creating a delectable dish that would soon capture the world's attention.
Margherita Pizza
When the King and Queen of Italy visited Naples in 1889, they tried an assortment of pizza from the city's local Pizzeria Brandi. Legend has it that the king and queen were bored with their high class French diets and wanted something new. They found their new favorite in a pizza called the pizza mozzarella. It was topped with white cheese, red tomatoes, and green basil - the pie took it's new name from the queen – Margherita pizza. Despite this royal validation, pizza would remain relatively unknown in Italy outside of Naples until the 1940s.
Neapolitan Pizza and World
Immigrants from Naples were landing in America and coming for their new opportunities! The millions of Europeans immigrating at that time were taking on factory jobs and other labor, but with them came their favored dish, Pizza! As the Neapolitans were cooking up pizzas for themselves. Neapolitan pizza holds immense cultural significance in Italy. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was established in 1984 to preserve the authenticity and quality standards of Neapolitan pizza. They stipulate that genuine standards of Neapolitan pizza must be baked in a wood-fired oven, have a thin, soft, and chewy crust, and must be topped with specific ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The preservation of these traditions ensures that pizza remains a proud symbol of Neapolitan heritage.
The wave of italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought pizza to the shores of the United States. The first pizzerias in America were opened by these immigrants, primarily in the neighborhoods of New York City. Initially, pizza was largely consumed by Italian-Americans. However, its popularity rapidly transcended ethnic boundaries, captivating the taste buds of Americans nationwide.
When pizza finally took over America, it became just another American culture export to the rest of the world, like Coca-Cola and Elvis other countries started eating pizza because it was American.
As the love for pizza spread, so did its diverse variations. Every region and country put its own spin on the dish, adapting it to local tastes and culinary traditions. In chicago, the deep-dish pizza was born, characterized by its thick and buttery crust and generous layers of toppings. In Japan, sushi-inspired pizza became a hit, featuring raw fish and seaweed toppings. Today, you can find countless unique pizza creations around the globe, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of this humble dish.
Technological advancements and globalization have played a significant role in fueling the popularity of pizza. The invention of the pizza delivery box in the 1960s revolutionized the industry, making it easy and convenient for people to enjoy pizza in the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the rise of social media has allowed pizza lovers to share their favorite pies with the world, creating a sense of community and further propelling the pizza craze.
In recent decades, the globalization of food and the ease of international travel have further impacted the cultural influences on pizza. As people migrate and explore different parts of the world, they bring along their culinary heritage, blending it with local tastes and creating new variations of pizza. Today, one can find unique and innovative pizzas with toppings such as tikka masala, kimchi, or even pineapple, which reflect the diverse cultural influences and the ever-evolving nature of this beloved dish.
1. The United States eats 350 slices of pizza every second
Americans love pizza in fact so much so that they eat about 100 acres of pizza everyday according to the National Association of Pizza operators. That’s a whopping 350 slices every second!
2. A Pizza was Delivered in Space
In 2001, the Russian Space Agency was paid more than a million bucks to deliver a six-inch pizza to the International Space Station. Russian cosmonaut,Yuri Usachov had the honor of being the first person to receive a pizza delivery while in orbit.
3. The Outer Edge Is Called the Cornicione
Did you know that there is technical term for “crust”? Well there is, it’s called cornicione or the “end crust”. No matter what you call it, your kids will not eat it!
4. World War II helped Bring Pizza to the Masses
Before World War II pizza was mostly enjoyed by Italian immigrants in their home communities. During the occupation of Italy, Allied troops began eating local foods to supplement sometimes dwindling rations. The local bakers could hardly keep up with the US soldiers demand for pizza, and when they came home after the war they brought their love for pizza back with them.
5. Papa’s Tomato Pies is America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Pizzeria
founded by Giuseppe Papa in 1912 on South Clinton Avenue in Trenton, New Jersey, this family owned pizzeria has operated continuously since opening day and still remains operated by the Papa family.
6. The first frozen pizza hit the market in 1962
Tontino’s, which started as Totino’s Italian Kitchen is said to be the first company to offer frozen pizza in 1962. Apparently they did pretty good, Pillsbury bought the company in 1975.
7. There’s a pizza museum in Philadelphia
Pizza Brain is home to the world’s largest collection of pizza memorabilia. That’s just not my opinion, back in 2011 Guinness certified the collection as “the world’s largest collection of pizza-related items”.
8. In India, the most preferred pizza topping is tofu
Minced mutton and pickled ginger are among other horrible toppings that rank high on the list as most preferred, what is minced mutton you ask? typically minced mutton is lamb or goat with peas or potatoes.
9. The risk of some cancers are reduced if pizza is consumed once a week Italian researchers have claimed eating pizza regularly reduced the risk of developing oesophageal cancer by 59%, colon cancer also fell by 26% & mouth cancer by 34%.
10. The first American pizza shop was Lombardi’s in New York City
Lombardi’s was the first pizza shop opened in the United States back in 1905. It is still located in Little Italy section of Manhattan today. Even though Lombardi’s was the first, they did close their doors for a short time making Papa’s Tomato Pies America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Pizzeria.
Pizza has undoubtedly left an inedible mark on the culinary world as a beloved and ubiquitous dish. Its true origin may be shrouded in the mists of time, but its journey from the streets of Naples to thr far reaches of the globe is an enchanting tale of cultural fusion and innovations. As we savor each delicious bite, let us not forget the rich history and heritage behind this astonishing creation.
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Very very irresistible
ReplyDeleteSurprising 😯
ReplyDeleteA great one
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