Fun facts about pizza
What’s one of the most beloved and recognized dishes around the world, painted in vibrant shades of red, white, and green? Of course, it’s pizza! A universal favourite, pizza combines conviviality and flavour in a way few dishes can. But how much do you actually know about pizza? Here are some fun facts for the biggest pizza lovers.
What are the origins of pizza?
Pizza’s journey began centuries ago, rooted in Italy. While mozzarella was perfected as early as the 9th century AD, it wasn’t until the tomato’s arrival in Europe in 1520 that pizza as we know it began to take shape. By the 1700s, in Naples, the dish had truly found its home.
When was pizza Margherita born?
The classic Pizza Margherita was born in 1889. It is said that it was originally created to honour Queen Margherita of Savoy. Topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, the colours mirrored the Italian flag. This humble creation soon gained international fame as Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States in the early 20th century.
What are the origins of pizza?
Pizza’s journey began centuries ago, rooted in Italy. While mozzarella was perfected as early as the 9th century AD, it wasn’t until the tomato’s arrival in Europe in 1520 that pizza as we know it began to take shape. By the 1700s, in Naples, the dish had truly found its home.
When was pizza Margherita born?
The classic Pizza Margherita was born in 1889. It is said that it was originally created to honour Queen Margherita of Savoy. Topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, the colours mirrored the Italian flag. This humble creation soon gained international fame as Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States in the early 20th century.
Which country has the highest pizza consumption per capita?
Believe it or not, the country with the highest pizza consumption per capita is not Italy…it is Norway followed by USA, UK, and Germany, while Italy takes over the fifth place.
How many slices of pizza are consumed every second in the United States?
Pizza’s popularity transcends borders, boasting fascinating records. In fact, in the United States, people consume a staggering 350 slices of pizza every second!
What’s the world’s largest pizza?
The record for the largest pizza was set in Italy in 2012, measuring an impressive 1,260 square meters.
Believe it or not, the country with the highest pizza consumption per capita is not Italy…it is Norway followed by USA, UK, and Germany, while Italy takes over the fifth place.
How many slices of pizza are consumed every second in the United States?
Pizza’s popularity transcends borders, boasting fascinating records. In fact, in the United States, people consume a staggering 350 slices of pizza every second!
What’s the world’s largest pizza?
The record for the largest pizza was set in Italy in 2012, measuring an impressive 1,260 square meters.
What’s the world’s most expensive pizza?
It is said that the most expensive pizza in the world costs approximately 12,000 EUR and includes toppings such as caviar or lobster!
Is pizza healthy?
Though often viewed as indulgent, pizza can be a balanced meal when enjoyed wisely. For example, a classic Margherita slice (approximately 100 grams) contains around 260 kcal, but calorie counts can soar with elaborate toppings.
To enjoy pizza as part of a balanced diet opt for simple toppings, such as Marinara or Margherita. Pair it with fibre-rich meals, fruits, and vegetables during the rest of the day and try to skip sugary beverages or alcoholic drinks to reduce calorie intake.
Overall, the quality of ingredients is key. A slow, well-executed dough fermentation improves digestibility and satiety, while the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil provides an ideal combination of nutrients: tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant; mozzarella is source of calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health; whole-grain dough enhances fibre content and improves digestion.
And if you want, you can always add fresh vegetables like rom mushrooms or spinach, to add more vitamins and minerals to the mix.
It is said that the most expensive pizza in the world costs approximately 12,000 EUR and includes toppings such as caviar or lobster!
Is pizza healthy?
Though often viewed as indulgent, pizza can be a balanced meal when enjoyed wisely. For example, a classic Margherita slice (approximately 100 grams) contains around 260 kcal, but calorie counts can soar with elaborate toppings.
To enjoy pizza as part of a balanced diet opt for simple toppings, such as Marinara or Margherita. Pair it with fibre-rich meals, fruits, and vegetables during the rest of the day and try to skip sugary beverages or alcoholic drinks to reduce calorie intake.
Overall, the quality of ingredients is key. A slow, well-executed dough fermentation improves digestibility and satiety, while the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil provides an ideal combination of nutrients: tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant; mozzarella is source of calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health; whole-grain dough enhances fibre content and improves digestion.
And if you want, you can always add fresh vegetables like rom mushrooms or spinach, to add more vitamins and minerals to the mix.
And a bit of pizza inspiration…
If you are a pizza lover, what about making your own pizza? Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients
Preparation
Enjoy!
If you are a pizza lover, what about making your own pizza? Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients
- 500g flour
- 15g yeast
- 250ml warm water
- 20g olive oil
- 10g salt
- 250g tomato sauce
- 200g mozzarella
- Olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Prepare the Dough by mixing flour and yeast, add water, olive oil, and salt. Knead until smooth, then let it rise for 1.5 hours in a warm place.
- Shape the base by rolling out the dough, spread tomato sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and a pinch of salt.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy!