Pizza has a very long history, but have you ever wondered who actually invented pizza? The earliest records of the word date back to 997, near Gaeta, a region in Lazio, Italy. At that time, the term became “Peanut” used to describe a round, flat-baked type of bread that was eaten by the rural population.
The pinsa base was a simple and humble dish, usually topped with lard, cheese, basil and sometimes fish scraps. This delicacy quickly gained popularity in various regions.
Since then, pizza has grown into a versatile culinary creation, with a huge variety of ingredients and styles. Yet there is one controversial ingredient that is missing in traditional preparation: pineapple.
The first documented mentions of Neapolitan pizza date back to the period 1715—1725, when Vincenzo Corrado published a valuable book about Naples' eating habits. He noted that the locals liked to season pizza and macaroni with tomato sauce.
Initially, pizza was sold exclusively as street food by numerous vendors outside the bakeries in Naples, until around 1830, when the historic pizzeria opened that year Port'Alba its doors — known as the oldest pizzeria in the world.
Located in the heart of the historic center of Naples, at the beginning of the main decumanus, you'll find this pizzeria on the Via Port'Alba.
The version of pizza known as the Margherita, so popular in Italy, dates back to 1889 and was created by the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
The Pizza Margherita, topped with tomato, mozzarella and basil, is a tribute to the colors of the Italian flag and to the Queen of Italy.
In 1895, Gennaro Lombardi emigrated from Naples to New York, where he continued his pizza-making craft in a bakery on Mulberry Street. Lombardi utilized the same dough recipe passed down from his father and grandfather in Naples. Recognizing the growing demand, Lombardi decided to start selling pizza. In 1905, he obtained a license from the City of New York, officially establishing America's First Pizzeria.
Whether your preference lies with a classic Margherita or a savory Salame pizza, there is one thing we can all unanimously agree on: pizza is loved by everyone! ✌️
