Think you know everything about pizza? Think again! This universally adored dish has a history that might surprise you.
1. The Origins of Pizza
Contrary to popular belief, pizza’s origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians ate flatbreads with toppings, which is considered an early form of pizza. However, the modern pizza we know today began in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century.
2. Margherita Pizza and Queen Margherita
The Margherita pizza, a simple yet classic choice featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889. The pizza’s ingredients are said to represent the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green.
3. The World’s Largest Pizza
The world’s largest pizza was made in Los Angeles in January 2023. It measured an astonishing 1,296.72 square meters (13,957.77 square feet) and was topped with 630,496 pepperoni slices.
4. Pizza Delivery to Space
Pizza Hut made history in 2001 by delivering a pizza to the International Space Station. The pizza, specially prepared to withstand space travel, was delivered to Russian astronaut Yuri Usachov, marking the first pizza delivery in space.
5. The Most Expensive Pizza
The most expensive pizza in the world is the Louis XIII, created by Chef Renato Viola in Salerno, Italy. This luxurious pizza costs about $12,000 and features ingredients such as three types of caviar, organic buffalo mozzarella, lobster from Norway, and pink Australian sea salt.
6. America’s Love for Pizza
In the United States, approximately 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second. That’s a staggering 21,000 slices per minute and over 100 acres of pizza daily. Pepperoni is the most popular topping, with 36% of all pizza orders including this spicy meat.
7. The Invention of Pepperoni
Despite its authentic feel, pepperoni wasn’t invented in Italy. It is an American creation, developed by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. The word “pepperoni” comes from the Italian word “peperoni,” which means bell peppers.
8. Speedy Pizza
Domino’s Pizza crowned Joana Mendes the World’s Fastest Pizza Maker in 2022 with her record-breaking time of 39.2 seconds. She was the first woman to earn the title!
9. Pizza Vending Machines
Italy is also home to the first pizza vending machine. The “Let’s Pizza” vending machine can make a fresh pizza from scratch in just three minutes, using infrared rays to cook the dough and melt the cheese.
10. The Invention of the Hawaiian Pizza
The Hawaiian pizza, topped with ham and pineapple, was actually invented in Canada in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos. This controversial pizza has sparked debates among pizza lovers worldwide, but it remains a popular choice for many.
Pizza’s rich history and global popularity make it more than just a meal – it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a fan of a classic Margherita or an adventurous option with exotic toppings, there’s always something new to learn and love about pizza.
