Where Did Pizza Originate?

Pizza is perhaps the most popular and universally known food. Today, we all know it as a typically round crust covered with tomato sauce and topped with cheese and an assortment of toppings. Tomatoes however did not appear in European dishes until the 16th century when they were brought over by the Spanish. The pizza which we are familiar with today did not come into existence until the 18th century in Naples, Italy.

There is some dispute as to where pizza originated. Italian history will claim that the first ever pizza made was Italian, but it is also certain that in the ancient times, the Greeks and the Romans had already laid out the foundations. In fact, one answer to where did pizza originate can be found by looking at the first pizzeria, which was called Port’ Alba. This early pizza restaurant baked the pizza using hot volcanic rocks from Mt. Vesuvius.

The early Greeks first baked large and round unleavened bread which they anointed with olive oil, dates, herbs, and spices. However, the birth of the pizza in Italy was a little more elaborate. There, pizza was topped with pork and olives, or with sweet ingredients such as honey and raisins.

The word “picea” was coined during 1000 AD. According to Italy’s historical accounts, the picea was a round piece of dough that was layered with toppings and then baked. The word pizza originated at about the same time.

Some years later, pizza started to be made from leavened dough and, during the latter part of the 18th century, records showed the birth of the Calzone – a baked crescent-shaped dough that encased stuffing of tomato sauce and herbs.

Modern Pizza

The pizza you know and enjoy today originated in Naples where it was topped with oil, garlic, anchovies, and mozzarella cheese. Pizzas were sold in Neapolitan market stalls until 1830.

Margherita Pizza

Other varieties of pizza have an interesting tradition as well. Around 1889, Queen Margherita, who was accompanied by her husband, went around to do an inspection in her kingdom. During her exploration of Italy, she witnessed peasants eating flat breads. Becoming immensely curious, she ordered her guards to get her one of these large, flat pizza breads. She loved it so much that she would eat it every time she was in public. The people, especially those from the Court circles were very surprised how a Queen would enjoy peasant food.

Nonetheless, she loved the pizza bread so much that she decided to summon Neapolitan chef Rafaelle Esposito to the palace to make a selection of pizzas for her.  To honor Queen Margherita, the chef decided to concoct a special kind of pizza. He created a pizza that was topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It was meant to represent the Italian flag’s colors of red, green, and white.

This instantly became the Queen’s favorite pizza. Word spread fast about the Queen’s favorite pizza and soon, she became even more loved by the Italian people. This produced the culinary staple in all pizzerias around the world up to this day. The Pizza Margherita can now be seen in almost all pizza restaurant menus.

Evolution of Pizza

Pizza has evolved in many ways today. There is a pizza to suit every taste and preference. Pizza possibilities are infinite.

• The classic Neapolitan-style of pizza, for example, has the unbeatable tandem of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
• The Sicilian pizza carries a wider variety of toppings while the Greek pizza uses feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
• Chicago is popular for its deep-dish pizza while its rival, the New York pizza is wider and thinner with slices that can be folded while being eaten
• The Mexican pizza is topped with taco filling or chili, cheddar cheese, onions, fresh tomatoes, and Jalapeno peppers.
• The Australian pizza on the other hand will have bacon and eggs.

Each region from around the world has its own take on the pizza. Pizza has not only become a favorite food, or go-to delivery food among kids and adults alike, but it has come to reflect a location’s culture, history, and lifestyle.