Origin of the pizza

Originating in Italy, pizza is an emblematic recipe of the country. It has become one of the most popular dishes in the world. So, let's go back over its history: where does it come from, how did it become an emblematic dish and what are the most consumed pizzas? We have investigated to shed light on the origins of pizza.

Where do pizzas come from?

The pizza was originally a bread cake that has evolved over the years. Ingredients were added to make it look like the pizza of today.

According to stories and customs, pizza comes to us straight from Italy and more precisely from Naples. It was during the Middle Ages that the first pizzas were eaten in the streets of the city.

Back then, it didn't look like it does today. Indeed, the first pizzas were white pizzas. It was thanks to the introduction of a particular fruit that pizza really took off. The tomato appeared in Europe in the 17th century and became the basis for pizza. The white pizza was soon replaced by the red pizza.

First red pizza: the Margherita

In 1780, the first red pizza was recognised and named: the Margherita pizza.

It was Raffaele Esposito who made this pizza for Queen Margherita. Thanks to the expatriation of millions of Italians at the end of the 1800s, pizza gradually became a symbol of the Italian nation.

Since then, pizza has continued to evolve and diversify. It has been fully adopted in many other countries. Today, pizza has become one of the most popular dishes in the world.

Today's pizzas

The pizza has evolved a lot since its original version. It has been adapted according to local tastes and customs. Thus, each country offers different pizzas, they can be salty or sweet.

Nowadays, pizza is a fast food dish and is offered in different variations. You can buy frozen pizzas in supermarkets, fresh pizzas to heat up at home or go to a pizzeria.

We particularly like the wood-fired pizzas for their authentic, tasty and even rustic taste.

The most popular pizzas

Although pizzas are known worldwide, some are more popular than others. In fact, there are ten or so essential pizzas that are iconic pizzas:

Pizza Margherita: tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil.

Pizza Napolitana: tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies, black olives.

Pizza Quatre Saisons : tomato sauce, mozzarella, Zucchini, pepper, artichoke.

Pizza Four Cheese: 4 varieties of cheese.

Pizza Reine: tomato sauce, ham, mushrooms, mozzarella, black olives.

Pizza Calzone: tomato sauce, ham, mushrooms, mozzarella, egg.

Pizza Chorizo: tomato sauce, mozzarella, chorizo, peppers.

Pizza Hawaïenne : tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, pineapple.