Pizza

Although pizza is often associated with Italy, its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks and Egyptians were known to have baked flatbreads with various toppings, which can be considered as the precursor to modern-day pizza.

The pizza that we know and love today was first created in Naples, Italy. In the 18th century, a popular dish called “Pizza Margherita” was created by Raffaele Esposito, a Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker). It was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples and fell in love with this particular pizza.

Types of Pizza

Pizza has evolved over the years, and now there are numerous variations of this dish. Some popular types include:

• Neapolitan Pizza: The traditional pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made from simple ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

• New York Style Pizza: This pizza has a thin crust that is foldable and can be eaten on the go. It’s typically sold by the slice and is known for its large size.

• Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: As the name suggests, this pizza hails from Chicago and has a deep crust with layers of cheese, meat, and tomato sauce.

• Sicilian Pizza: This pizza is rectangular in shape and has a thicker crust. It’s often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats and vegetables.

Fun Facts about Pizza

• Americans consume on average over 3 billion pizzas every year.

• The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in 1905 in New York City by Gennaro Lombardi.

• The world’s largest pizza was made in 2012 and measured over 131 feet in diameter.
  

  Pizza Around the World

  While Italy may be the birthplace of pizza, this dish has gained popularity all over the world. Here are some unique variations of pizza found in different countries:

  • Japan: Okonomiyaki Pizza – This Japanese fusion pizza is made with a savory pancake base and topped with various ingredients such as cabbage, bacon, and mayonnaise.
  • Brazil: Brazilian-style Pizza – In Brazil, pizzas are often topped with unusual ingredients such as quail eggs, hearts of palm, and catupiry cheese.
  • Sweden: Swedish Pizza – This pizza is typically topped with bananas, curry powder, chicken, and peanuts.