The modern pizza, as we know and love it today, has a rich and fascinating history. Here’s a breakdown of the “what” and “when”:
What:
* Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy. It’s a flatbread typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various other ingredients.
* Key ingredients: While there are countless variations, the core components of modern pizza often include:
* Crust: A leavened dough base, often thin or thick depending on the style.
* Sauce: Typically a tomato-based sauce.
* Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but other cheeses are also used.
* Toppings: A wide array of ingredients like vegetables, meats, and spices.
When:
* Early forms: Flatbreads with toppings have existed for centuries, but the direct ancestor of modern pizza emerged in Naples in the 18th or early 19th century.
* Pizzerias: Pizza was initially sold from open-air stands. Pizzerias with seating started appearing around 1830.
* Margherita pizza: A pivotal moment occurred in 1889 when Raffaele Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita” in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. This pizza featured tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag.
* Spread: Pizza’s popularity grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spreading with Italian immigrants to other parts of the world, particularly the United States.
In summary: Modern pizza’s roots lie in 18th/19th century Naples, with its iconic Margherita variation appearing in 1889. From there, it has evolved into a global culinary phenomenon with countless regional and personal interpretations.
Happy Monday
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 