Pizza is one of the most loved and recognized dishes in the world, but few know that behind this delicacy there is a fascinating story full of traditions. Today I want to share with you the fascinating origin of pizza!
The origin of pizza can be traced back to the ancient civilization of the Greeks, who made a type of flat bread called “plakous”. This bread was baked on hot stones and was often seasoned with olives, herbs and spices.
However, pizza as we know it today has its roots in southern Italy, in Naples. In the 18th century, Neapolitan peasants cooked a simple flat bread called “pitta”, made with flour, water, salt and yeast. This bread was easy to prepare and provided a hearty meal for the common people.
The breakthrough for pizza came when tomatoes, originally from America, were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Tomatoes became an essential ingredient of Italian cooking and were soon paired with flat bread to create what would become the first prototype of the modern pizza.
The real “pizza” was born in Naples in the seventeenth century when they began to add mozzarella, a fresh and soft cheese produced with buffalo milk typical of the area. The combination of tomatoes and mozzarella on flat bread gave rise to what we would now call “Pizza Margherita” in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who raved about the dish.
Pizza quickly became popular with the Neapolitan working class, and pizzerias soon began springing up to meet the growing demand. Over time, pizza also spread outside Naples and established itself as one of the culinary symbols of Italy in the world.
Over the centuries, pizza has undergone numerous transformations and has adopted a wide range of ingredients, from the traditional ones such as sausage and olives, to the more innovative and creative ones such as ham and pineapple.
Today, pizza is one of the best known and loved delicacies globally. It has become an icon of Italian culture and a symbol of conviviality and sharing with friends and family.
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