The story of pizza is a mix of interesting facts and myths. One famous tale suggests that a pizza with three colors was made to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, but many believe this story isn’t true. Some people think that U.S. soldiers discovered pizza during World War II and brought it back to America, but that’s not accurate either. There’s also a lot of debate about the quality of New York pizza.
Hi, I’m Justin Dodd, and today, we’re diving into the real history of pizza, which is even more exciting than the myths. We’ll explore different pizza styles like Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, St. Louis, Ohio Valley, Montanaro, and Fugazza con Queso. We’ll also talk about why pizza is cheaper in Naples, Italy, than in Naples, Florida, and why some people think the Greeks invented pizza.
In 2014, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio caused a stir when he was seen eating pizza with a knife and fork. Many, including Jon Stewart, criticized this as a big mistake for a New Yorker. De Blasio explained that in Italy, where his family is from, it’s common to use utensils. However, a survey showed that over 90% of Americans prefer eating pizza with their hands, showing how pizza habits can vary by region.
The Neapolitan pizza is often considered the original pizza. The story of Queen Margherita supposedly happened in 1889 at a pizzeria in Naples. While there was a pizzeria named after her, the Margherita pizza we know today likely existed before then. Records show pizzas with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil were around as early as 1853.
Back in the 19th century, pizzas weren’t named like they are today. People would order by listing the ingredients they wanted. The True Neapolitan Pizza Association has strict rules about how Neapolitan pizza should be made, focusing on keeping it authentic.
Tomatoes came to Italy in the late 17th century and became a key pizza ingredient. The Oxford English Dictionary describes pizza as dough baked with a topping of tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients. However, early pizzas might not have had tomatoes, as seen in records from the first millennium CE.
Pizza has evolved into many styles, like Roman Pizza Bianca, which is often filled with different ingredients. The Hawaiian pizza, created in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos in Ontario, Canada, is a topic of debate among pizza lovers.
In the U.S., different regions have their own pizza styles. Detroit-style pizza is baked in a blue steel pan, and Chicago-style pizza is famous for its deep-dish crust. St. Louis-style pizza uses unleavened dough and Provel cheese, while Fugazza con Queso is a favorite in Argentina.
Pizza spread in America thanks to Italian immigrants, with Lombardi’s in New York being one of the first pizzerias. Over time, cooking methods and ingredients have changed, creating the diverse pizza scene we see today.
Pizza is a dish that shows cultural influences and regional differences. Whether you love a classic Neapolitan pizza or a unique local style, pizza remains a favorite food worldwide. Share your favorite pizza place in the comments, and let’s celebrate the variety of pizza!
Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
Research the key events in the history of pizza and create a timeline. Include important dates, such as the introduction of tomatoes to Italy and the opening of Lombardi’s in New York. Use images and short descriptions to make your timeline visually appealing and informative.
Organize a taste test of different pizza styles, such as Neapolitan, New York, and Chicago. Work in groups to research each style’s unique characteristics and present your findings to the class. Then, enjoy sampling the pizzas and discuss which style you prefer and why.
Participate in a class debate about the best pizza topping. Choose a topping to defend and prepare arguments for why it enhances the pizza experience. Listen to your classmates’ arguments and engage in a friendly discussion to determine the class’s favorite topping.
Research how pizza is enjoyed in different countries and create a presentation. Include information about unique pizza styles, popular toppings, and cultural differences in pizza consumption. Share your findings with the class and learn about pizza’s global impact.
Imagine you are opening a pizza restaurant. Design a menu that features a variety of pizza styles and toppings. Include descriptions of each pizza and consider offering options for different dietary preferences. Present your menu to the class and explain your choices.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
The history of pizza is a fascinating mix of facts and myths. One popular story claims that the classic tri-color pie was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, but this is largely considered a work of fiction. U.S. soldiers did not fall in love with pizza during World War II and bring it back to the States, and the pizza in New York is often debated regarding its quality.
Hi, I’m Justin Dodd, and today, I will explore the real history of pizza, which is even more interesting than the myths that often surround it. We’ll cover various pizza styles, including Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, St. Louis, Ohio Valley, Montanaro, and Fugazza con Queso. We’ll also discuss why pizza is cheaper in Naples, Italy, than in Naples, Florida, and why some people attribute the invention of pizza to the Greeks.
In 2014, newly elected New York Mayor Bill de Blasio sparked a debate when he was photographed eating pizza with a knife and fork. Jon Stewart and others criticized this choice, calling it a significant faux pas for a New Yorker. De Blasio defended himself by referencing his Italian heritage, noting that in his ancestral homeland, it’s more common to eat pizza with utensils. However, a poll indicated that over 90% of Americans eat pizza with their hands, highlighting the regional differences in pizza consumption.
Let’s start with the Neapolitan pie, often regarded as the birthplace of pizza. The story of Queen Margherita supposedly took place in 1889 at a pizzeria in Naples. While there was indeed a pizzeria named after her, the pizza we know today as Margherita likely predates this event. Historical records show that pizzas with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil existed as early as 1853.
The names of pizzas were not commonly used in the 19th century; instead, they were typically ordered by listing the desired ingredients. The true Neapolitan Pizza Association has strict regulations regarding the ingredients and preparation of Neapolitan pizza, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Tomatoes, introduced to Italy in the late 17th century, became a staple ingredient in pizza. The Oxford English Dictionary defines pizza as a dough baked with a topping of tomatoes, cheese, and various other ingredients. However, early pizzas may not have included tomatoes at all, as evidenced by historical records from the first millennium CE.
The evolution of pizza has led to various styles, including the Roman Pizza Bianca, which is often stuffed with fillings. The Hawaiian pizza, invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos in Ontario, Canada, has sparked debate among pizza enthusiasts regarding its legitimacy.
Different regions in the U.S. have developed their own pizza styles, such as Detroit-style pizza, which is baked in a blue steel pan, and Chicago-style pizza, known for its deep-dish crust. St. Louis-style pizza features an unleavened dough and is topped with Provel cheese, while Fugazza con Queso is popular in Argentina.
The spread of pizza in America is often attributed to Italian immigrants, with Lombardi’s in New York being one of the first pizzerias. The cooking methods and ingredients have evolved, leading to the diverse pizza landscape we see today.
In conclusion, pizza is a dish that reflects cultural influences and regional variations. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan pie or a unique local style, pizza continues to be a beloved food around the world. Share your favorite pizza place in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the diversity of pizza!
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time!
—
This version removes informal language, personal opinions, and any potentially offensive remarks while maintaining the essence of the original content.
Pizza – A popular Italian dish made of a flat, round base of dough baked with a topping of tomato sauce and cheese, often with added meat or vegetables. – Example sentence: Pizza became a favorite food in many countries after Italian immigrants introduced it to the world.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Example sentence: In history class, we learned about the ancient civilizations that contributed to the development of modern society.
Ingredients – The individual components used to make a particular dish or meal. – Example sentence: The ingredients for a classic Margherita pizza include fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
Neapolitan – Relating to Naples, a city in Italy, especially in reference to its traditional style of pizza. – Example sentence: Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, soft crust and simple toppings like tomatoes and mozzarella.
America – A continent in the Western Hemisphere, consisting of North, Central, and South America, or specifically the United States of America. – Example sentence: Pizza became extremely popular in America after World War II, with many regional variations emerging.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and traditions found in human societies. – Example sentence: Food is an important part of culture, and dishes like pizza can tell us a lot about the history and traditions of a place.
Soldiers – Members of an army, especially those who are not officers. – Example sentence: During World War II, American soldiers stationed in Italy developed a taste for pizza, which they brought back home.
Tomatoes – A red or yellowish fruit with a juicy pulp, used as a vegetable in cooking. – Example sentence: Tomatoes are a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, including the sauce used on pizza.
Styles – Distinctive forms or types of something, often referring to variations in art, fashion, or cuisine. – Example sentence: There are many styles of pizza, from the thin-crust Neapolitan to the deep-dish Chicago version.
Etiquette – The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group. – Example sentence: In Italy, pizza etiquette suggests that you should eat it with a knife and fork, rather than with your hands.
