It’s national pizza day so we’re looking at the origins of pizza! I bet you think pizza is originally Italian right? Well it’s actually so much more complicated than that. Pizza itself is really just yeasted flatbread with some extra toppings which is something that was being done in ancient Greece. However, since Naples, Italy was founded as a Green port city, and pizza was developed further in Italy.
At first, it was bread with oil and herbs. It wasn’t until later that mozzarella and tomatoes were added. The pizza, as we know it today, became popular in the late 18th century. Back then, it was considered street food. And, when Italy unified in 1861, the King and Queen visited Naples. They tried an assortment of pizzas but the Queen’s favourite was a pizza with soft white cheese, red tomatoes, and green basil. These just so happen to be the colors of the Italian flag too! That particular topping combination was then named after the Queen – Margherita.
Even with its popularity in Italy, it was still not very well known around the world. Yet, that all changed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pizza spread out further into Europe and many Italians came seeking jobs in America. With them, they brought the signature dish. In fact, New York had one of the first documented pizzerias in 1905.
Yet, it wasn’t until the 1940s-50s that it was less of a foreign food. Then, with frozen pizza invented in the 60s, everyone from everywhere could enjoy it. From there, the rest is literally history.
That’s a little recap of how we got the modern Pizza, so I ask you? What do you think about the origins of pizza? And what is your favourite Pizza? I’m a plain and simple person, sauce and cheese is all I need, or are you a pepperoni person? or even someone who puts pineapple on it? (controversial I know). Leave us a reply and let us know!
