Pizza has become an iconic symbol of American cuisine, surpassing even the beloved mom's apple pie. The latest statistics from the National Restaurant Association reveal that pizzerias, once limited to the confines of Little Italy, have now proliferated across the nation. In fact, they have outnumbered establishments selling our native hamburger. The widespread popularity of this timeless favorite is evident in the emergence of pizza chains that have established a presence not only in the United States but also around the globe.
A prime example is Pizza Hut, which boasts an impressive 6,816 outlets worldwide. It's astounding to think that Pizza Hut alone serves approximately 2 million pizzas every single day. This staggering figure demonstrates just how deeply ingrained pizza has become in our society and how it continues to captivate taste buds across continents. From its humble origins as a Neapolitan street food to its current status as a global phenomenon, pizza truly reigns supreme in the realm of comfort food.
Despite its nationwide popularity, don't let anyone tell you that pizza was created here. For years I'd heard the myth that, like Chinese chop suey, it was invented by immigrants to appeal to the American palate. I learned better a decade ago when I spent time in Italy doing research for a book on that country's unsurpassed cuisine.
Pizza, with its origins traced back to Naples, Italy, has become a global sensation. The traditional Italian pizza is quite different from the Americanized versions we are accustomed to today. In Naples, pizza is a culinary art form, perfected over centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients: fresh dough, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fragrant basil leaves. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that transport you to the streets of Naples.
The true essence of pizza lies in its thin and crispy crust, which acts as the perfect canvas for the toppings. Whether it's classic Margherita with its vibrant red tomatoes and verdant basil or a decadent combination of prosciutto and arugula, every flavor profile is carefully curated to create a harmonious balance. The Italian approach to pizza-making is all about quality ingredients and careful attention to detail.
While pizza has undoubtedly evolved over time and adapted to different cultures around the world, it remains deeply rooted in its Neapolitan heritage. It serves as a testament to the power of food to transcend borders and bring people together. So next time you enjoy a slice of pizza, remember its humble beginnings in the cobblestone streets of Naples, where passion and dedication gave birth to an iconic dish loved by millions.
Established in Naples in 1830, Port'Alba holds the esteemed reputation of being the world's first authentic pizzeria. Its wood-fired oven, lined with lava rock from Mount Vesuvius, was truly ahead of its time and continues to inspire envy among owners of modern-day pizzerias. While Port'Alba may have pioneered the concept, it is worth noting that pizza has a much deeper history in Italy. Even before Port'Alba's inception, the residents of Italy had been indulging in various forms of pizza. Historical records indicate that as early as the first century, Romans were savoring rounds of seasoned oven-baked bread, likely influenced by Greek and Etruscan culinary traditions. The evolution of pizza throughout history showcases its enduring appeal and cultural significance. From humble beginnings to becoming a beloved global phenomenon, pizza has transcended borders and captured hearts around the world. Today, countless variations and creative toppings continue to showcase the versatility and innovation that make pizza a timeless favorite for people of all ages. Whether enjoying a classic Margherita or experimenting with bold flavor combinations, pizza remains an iconic symbol of culinary delight and communal enjoyment.
Pizza started out as a humble snack for Italian women, born out of necessity and ingenuity. As they patiently waited for their bread to bake in the communal ovens of their town, these resourceful signoras would break off a piece of the dough and transform it into a delectable treat. With a swift hand, they would flatten the dough, adding a medley of seasonings that happened to be available at the time. The result was a mouthwatering creation that satisfied their hunger pangs. Little did they know that this simple snack would go on to become a global sensation, loved by people from all walks of life. Today, pizza has evolved into countless variations, from thin and crispy Neapolitan to thick and cheesy Chicago-style deep dish. It has become a symbol of indulgence, comfort, and community, bringing people together over slices laden with gooey cheese and savory toppings. Whether enjoyed in bustling pizzerias or ordered for delivery at home, pizza remains an irresistible delight that transcends borders and cultures.
These pizzas, of course, did not have the tomato topping that is so common today. It took two hundred years for the tomato to be introduced to Europe from Peru by one of Columbus's sailors, and even longer for the people of Naples to overcome their fear of this supposedly poisonous fruit and start eating it. The history of pizza changed forever when the Italians discovered the delicious flavor of tomatoes, which were often called "golden fruit" because of their bright yellow color. It's hard to believe, but cheese wasn't added to pizza until 1889, when baker Raffaele Esposito from Pietro ll Pizzaiolo pizzeria was asked to make pizza for Queen Margherita. As a tribute to the colors of the Italian flag, Esposito added white mozzarella to the traditional combination of red tomato and green basil.
In the early 20th century, Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi had a vision that would forever change the American culinary landscape. He opened the first pizzeria in New York City in 1905, introducing locals to the deliciousness of pizza. At first, this delightful Neapolitan pie was enjoyed primarily by the Italian communities residing in American cities. However, everything changed after World War II when soldiers returning from Italy brought back their love for pizza. The demand for this savory dish skyrocketed, and soon Lombardi's pizzeria expanded its reach beyond the confines of Italian neighborhoods. It found its way into new districts where it catered to a broader audience – the general public who quickly fell head over heels for this irresistible pie. With every bite, people discovered a newfound love and appreciation for pizza's perfect combination of flavors and textures. From that moment on, pizza became an integral part of American cuisine, beloved by millions across the nation. Today, countless variations and styles of pizza can be found in every corner of America, but it all started with Gennaro Lombardi's pioneering spirit and his commitment to sharing the joy of pizza with everyone he encountered.
Pizza Making Equipment
In addition to the essential tools like mixing bowls and a rolling pin, there are some special equipment that can elevate your restaurants pizza making game. While some are necessary, others are simply nice to have. You can easily find most of these tools at our pizza supply store.
Pizza Prep Table
Easily create the perfect artisan pizza with the help of our top-of-the-line refrigerated pizza prep table. This innovative Atosa and Truelines of equipment are designed to streamline your pizza-making process and ensure that every pie you create is nothing short of perfection. With its spacious refrigerated compartments, you can keep your dough, toppings, and sauces fresh and easily accessible at all times. The temperature control feature allows you to maintain the ideal conditions for your ingredients, guaranteeing a deliciously consistent end result. Whether you're running a bustling pizzeria or simply enjoy making pizzas at home, our pizza prep table will become an invaluable tool in your culinary arsenal. Say goodbye to messy workspaces and hello to a well-organized and efficient pizza-making station. Elevate your restaurants pizza game today with our reliable and durable refrigerated pizza prep table.
Pizza and Beer
When it comes to enjoying pizza, many people also like to indulge in a cold beer alongside their slice. The crispness and carbonation of beer create a delightful contrast to the savory and cheesy goodness of pizza. While there are no strict rules for pairing beer with pizza, certain styles tend to work well together. For example, a hoppy IPA can cut through the greasiness of a pepperoni or sausage pizza, while a light lager can enhance the flavors of a Margherita or vegetarian pizza. Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore craft beers with unique flavor profiles that match the complexity of gourmet pizzas.
