The Amazing History of Pizza
Have you ever wondered how a pizza came into existence or where did pizza come from?
The history of Pizza is amazing dating back centuries of years. Today, Forli Italian Restaurant takes you back in time to educate you about the history of pizza.
But first of all!
What is a Pizza?
Pizza is an Italian dish consisting of a flat base of dough made from wheat-flour topped with cheese, tomato sauce, onions, and other ingredients, which is baked at a high temperature. Pizza is the world's most popular fast-food. It is loved by people from all parts of the world due to the amazing blend of the ingredients and variety it offers. There’s not a city in Australia where you won’t find a pizza restaurant.
Let’s dig into the history of pizza!
Ancient Flatbreads - Before the modern-day Pizza
Flatbreads have been popular in Europe since the ancient times of Mesopotamia. These flatbreads served with various toppings like meat, herbs, oils, etc. were one of the major foods to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. They used to bake these flatbreads on hot stones unlike in ovens.
Enter Tomato! Birth of Modern-Day Pizza
For many years before the 16th century, the recipe of pizza did not consist of one popular ingredient: tomato. Tomatoes reached European lands in the 16th century when explorers from America brought tomatoes to them.
The tomatoes added more flavour to the pizza with its juiciness. After that, people started using tomatoes on pizzas on a regular basis with more varieties. This initiated various other topping experiments on pizzas too. Now, tomato sauce is a fundamental ingredient in a modern-day pizza.
Pizza as a dish of the people
By the 18th century, pizza had become a regular dish in Naples. It was mostly popular among poor workers who could not afford fancy foods. The bakers would sell these pizza by the slice, hot out of their ovens, making it a delicious and affordable meal. These early pizzas were much simpler than what we're used to eating today. They’d be often made just with tomato sauce, garlic, and some herbs.
Enter Royalty: Pizza Margherita
In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited the city of Naples. In honour of them, popular baker Raffaele Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita” using tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil representing the three colours of the flag of Italy. The queen was mighty impressed and this variation of pizza came to be known as Margherita pizza, a popular choice even today.
Pizza Enters the International Markets
As the US was making great strides in the world economy, many Europeans, including Italians immigrated to the US in the late 19th century. Many of such immigrants included pizza makers who introduced pizza to the Americans. They started sharing the pizza dish and recipes among friends and colleagues.
In the early 20th century, the major cities of the US started seeing growth in pizzeria establishments. In 1905, the first pizzeria was established in the US in New York: Lombardi’s. Other cities also saw an increase in these pizza establishments.
However, pizza was termed as “tomato pie” among Americans initially. The name pizza only caught on in the 1930s and has remained prominent to this day.
As the US was a hub for many international markets, pizza increased its popularity and fans internationally after stomping its ground in the US. Many variations of pizzas emerged with a variety of toppings, meat choices, and crust types. Pizza restaurants popped up all over the world, making it a truly international food.
Who Invented Pizza?
There is no exact person who invented the pizza. History shows that the flatbreads have been around since ancient times and there are no concrete recordings yet that tells us about a person who invented pizza.
Nonetheless, the invention or modification credit of modern-day pizza should go to the Neapolitans.
Feeling Hungry? Visit Forli, Your Favourite Pizza Restaurant!
Here at Forli, we're passionate about creating pizzas that are both delicious and inspired by this rich history. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to bring you a taste of Italy right here in our restaurant in Balmain. So next time you're craving a cheesy adventure, come visit us at Forli! We've got something for everyone, from classic Margherita pizza to exciting new creations. Let's keep the pizza party going!
FAQs
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There are many top pizza restaurants in Sydney. Among them, Forli Italian Restaurant is one of the finest pizza restaurants in Sydney.
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Meat Lovers Pizza and Diavola Pizza are two most-selling pizzas at Forli Italian Restaurant.
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Pizza, as it grew in popularity gained various types based on toppings, dough, cooking method, etc. Neapolitan Pizza, New York-Style Pizza, Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, and Sicilian Pizza are some popular types of pizza.
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There are countless varieties of toppings used on a pizza based on locality and personal preference. Sausage, pepperoni, chicken, bacon, ham, prawns, onions, olives, bell pepper, mushroom, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, spinach, anchovies, pineapple, etc. are some of the most popularly known toppings on a pizza.
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Pizza can be healthy if consumed in moderation using wholesome ingredients and limiting high-calorie toppings such as extra cheese and processed meats. Using fresh ingredients on a pizza can be a healthy meal.
