2. Introducing the !Introducing the !
Pizza is baked pie with a thin, bread-Pizza is baked pie with a thin, bread-
like crust and a variety of seasoningslike crust and a variety of seasonings
and toppings spread over the top.and toppings spread over the top.
Pizza as we know it today originatedPizza as we know it today originated
in Italy.in Italy.
Although Pizza has an uncertainAlthough Pizza has an uncertain
history, we know for sure that a typehistory, we know for sure that a type
of flatbread, baked with a variety ofof flatbread, baked with a variety of
toppings, has been eatentoppings, has been eaten
for over 3,000 years.for over 3,000 years.
3. Everybody likes Pizza. But thatEverybody likes Pizza. But that
was not always the case. Onlywas not always the case. Only
sixty years ago most people in Northsixty years ago most people in North
America didn’t know what pizza was.America didn’t know what pizza was.
Today, Pizza is the only food with it’sToday, Pizza is the only food with it’s
own section in the phone book. This isown section in the phone book. This is
because there are so many phonebecause there are so many phone
numbers of pizzerias and pizzanumbers of pizzerias and pizza
deliveries, and they are all sodeliveries, and they are all so
frequently called!frequently called!
4. The Evolution OfThe Evolution Of
PizzaPizza No one is certain of when the idea of pizzaNo one is certain of when the idea of pizza
really started and how it evolved from thereally started and how it evolved from the
flavoured flatbreads of ancient times to theflavoured flatbreads of ancient times to the
popular food we know today.popular food we know today.
However, there is evidence of people from theHowever, there is evidence of people from the
Stone Age, 3,000 years ago, making aStone Age, 3,000 years ago, making a
flatbread by mixing flour with water, andflatbread by mixing flour with water, and
heating it on a hot stone.heating it on a hot stone.
In the sixth century BC, it is said that soldiersIn the sixth century BC, it is said that soldiers
baked a similar flatbread on their shields andbaked a similar flatbread on their shields and
covered it with cheese and dates.covered it with cheese and dates.
There is also evidence of a flat flour cake,There is also evidence of a flat flour cake,
very similar to flatbread, in Pompeii. Thisvery similar to flatbread, in Pompeii. This
flat flour cake was very popular and, likeflat flour cake was very popular and, like
flatbread, was baked.flatbread, was baked.
5. Surprisingly, it was not until the sixteenthSurprisingly, it was not until the sixteenth
century that tomatoes were brought backcentury that tomatoes were brought back
to Europe from the new world (Peru).to Europe from the new world (Peru).
Although they came in the sixteenthAlthough they came in the sixteenth
century, it took Europe a while to trustcentury, it took Europe a while to trust
these vegetables; thinking they werethese vegetables; thinking they were
poisonous. it was not until the latepoisonous. it was not until the late
eighteenth century that adding tomatoeighteenth century that adding tomato
sauce to flatbread was common. At this timesauce to flatbread was common. At this time
pizza was still considered a food for thepizza was still considered a food for the
poor.poor.
6. King Ferdinand IV, the King of Naples, and his wifeKing Ferdinand IV, the King of Naples, and his wife
discovered this delicious “fast food” and loved it so muchdiscovered this delicious “fast food” and loved it so much
the wife decided to build a pizza oven in their summerthe wife decided to build a pizza oven in their summer
palace so the chef could make it for them and their guests.palace so the chef could make it for them and their guests.
This helped expand the popularity of pizza into the richerThis helped expand the popularity of pizza into the richer
population.population.
While the King of Italy, King Umberto I and his wife, QueenWhile the King of Italy, King Umberto I and his wife, Queen
margherita di Savoia were taking a holiday in their Naplesmargherita di Savoia were taking a holiday in their Naples
palace, they ordered the most popular pizza chef,palace, they ordered the most popular pizza chef,
Raffaele Esposito, to come make them his specialties. OneRaffaele Esposito, to come make them his specialties. One
of the pizza’s the chef made symbolized the Italian flag,of the pizza’s the chef made symbolized the Italian flag,
with tomatoes (for red), cheese (for white), and basil (forwith tomatoes (for red), cheese (for white), and basil (for
green. The Queen loved it so much that the chef decided togreen. The Queen loved it so much that the chef decided to
name the pizza after her (Margherita Pizza). This is thename the pizza after her (Margherita Pizza). This is the
pizza that established the foundation of modern pizza.pizza that established the foundation of modern pizza.
It confirmed Naples as the pizza capital ofIt confirmed Naples as the pizza capital of
the world.the world.
7. During the late nineteenth century pizza wasDuring the late nineteenth century pizza was
sold from peddlers who baked there pizza in asold from peddlers who baked there pizza in a
kitchen and held it in a copper container withkitchen and held it in a copper container with
a second layer, or a false bottom, that wasa second layer, or a false bottom, that was
full of charcoal from an oven to keep thefull of charcoal from an oven to keep the
pizza warm. This container was carried on thepizza warm. This container was carried on the
peddlers head while they walked up and downpeddlers head while they walked up and down
the streets.the streets.
As pizza became more popular people wouldAs pizza became more popular people would
build stalls to sell the pizza. These stallsbuild stalls to sell the pizza. These stalls
eventually evolved into the Pizzeria's weeventually evolved into the Pizzeria's we
know to this day.know to this day.
8. From Pizza Peddlers toFrom Pizza Peddlers to
DominosDominos
Pizza was not introduced to AmericaPizza was not introduced to America
until the late nineteenth century byuntil the late nineteenth century by
the Italians.the Italians.
It was not until the year 1905 that,It was not until the year 1905 that,
Gennaro Lombardi, opened the firstGennaro Lombardi, opened the first
Pizzeria in America. The pizzeria wasPizzeria in America. The pizzeria was
built in New York City.built in New York City.
9. 1943 was the year the Chicago style deep-dish1943 was the year the Chicago style deep-dish
was created. This pizza is cooked with a flakywas created. This pizza is cooked with a flaky
crust that rises an inch above the plate andcrust that rises an inch above the plate and
frames the toppings in the middle area of theframes the toppings in the middle area of the
pizza.pizza.
Finally, during the Year 1950, pizza became moreFinally, during the Year 1950, pizza became more
popular for Americans to eat.popular for Americans to eat.
Frozen pizzas were invented in the year 1957 andFrozen pizzas were invented in the year 1957 and
could be found in local grocery stores. Pizzascould be found in local grocery stores. Pizzas
were first marketed by the Celentano Brothers.were first marketed by the Celentano Brothers.
Soon later, pizza was the most popular frozenSoon later, pizza was the most popular frozen
food.food.
10. Chain restaurants kicked in onceChain restaurants kicked in once
pizza took a leap in popularity.pizza took a leap in popularity.
There were tons of pizza chainsThere were tons of pizza chains
starting up, for example Pizza hutstarting up, for example Pizza hut
in 1954.in 1954.
Nowadays, the American pizzaNowadays, the American pizza
economy is dominated by deliveryeconomy is dominated by delivery
businesses such as Dominos.businesses such as Dominos.
11. At least once a month, a stunning 93% ofAt least once a month, a stunning 93% of
Americans eat pizza.Americans eat pizza.
Not only that, but one study shows that eachNot only that, but one study shows that each
man, woman, and child eats, on average, 23man, woman, and child eats, on average, 23
pounds of pizza a year.pounds of pizza a year.
TimesTimes reported in 1953reported in 1953 – “ The highly seasoned– “ The highly seasoned
pizza with its tough crust and tomato toppingpizza with its tough crust and tomato topping
is such a gastronomical craze that the openis such a gastronomical craze that the open
pie threatens the pre-eminence of the hotdogpie threatens the pre-eminence of the hotdog
and hamburger.”and hamburger.”
Compared to when that quote was written theCompared to when that quote was written the
pizza world has changed a lot. Now pizza ispizza world has changed a lot. Now pizza is
considered a food that you eat wheneverconsidered a food that you eat whenever
there is a group of people and you want tothere is a group of people and you want to
have some fun. It is tasty, and easy to preparehave some fun. It is tasty, and easy to prepare
while having a celebration.while having a celebration.
12. Italian Pizza TodayItalian Pizza Today
Pizza is very important to the ItalianPizza is very important to the Italian
heritage. There are two styles of pizza inheritage. There are two styles of pizza in
Italy: Neapolitan and Lazio.Italy: Neapolitan and Lazio.
Neapolitans take their pizza veryNeapolitans take their pizza very
seriously and believe that theirs is theseriously and believe that theirs is the
true form of Italian Pizza.true form of Italian Pizza. The TrueThe True
Neapolitan Pizza AssociationNeapolitan Pizza Association recentlyrecently
made some rules of which you have tomade some rules of which you have to
follow while making a pizza, to call it anfollow while making a pizza, to call it an
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza:Authentic Neapolitan Pizza:
··Has to be baked in a wood-fired, domed oven atHas to be baked in a wood-fired, domed oven at
485°C for no more than 60 to 90 seconds485°C for no more than 60 to 90 seconds
··Base must be hand-kneaded (not with a pin or anyBase must be hand-kneaded (not with a pin or any
mechanical device.)mechanical device.)
··Pizza has to be no more than 35cm in diameter, andPizza has to be no more than 35cm in diameter, and
be more than one-third of a centimetre thick in thebe more than one-third of a centimetre thick in the
centrecentre
13. Neapolitan Purists believe there isNeapolitan Purists believe there is
only two types of pizza: theonly two types of pizza: the
Marinara and the Margherita.Marinara and the Margherita.
The toppings for the MarinaraThe toppings for the Marinara
pizza are: tomatoes, oregano,pizza are: tomatoes, oregano,
garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
The toppings for the MargheritaThe toppings for the Margherita
Pizza are: tomato sauce,Pizza are: tomato sauce,
mozzarella cheese, fresh basil.mozzarella cheese, fresh basil.
14. Lazio Style pizza is sold throughoutLazio Style pizza is sold throughout
Italy, in two different ways:Italy, in two different ways:
It is sold in take-away shops, where·It is sold in take-away shops, where·
they usually sell the pizza by weightthey usually sell the pizza by weight
and it is cooked on a rectangularand it is cooked on a rectangular
baking pan, in an electric oven, quitebaking pan, in an electric oven, quite
thick.thick.
Or it is sold in Pizzerias, where it is·Or it is sold in Pizzerias, where it is·
usually cooked in a wood-fired ovenusually cooked in a wood-fired oven
with a thin, crispier crust than thewith a thin, crispier crust than the
Neapolitan Pizza. The pizza is sold in it’sNeapolitan Pizza. The pizza is sold in it’s
traditional form, a circle.traditional form, a circle.
15. Examples of Lazio Pizza:Examples of Lazio Pizza:
Pizza Romana: tomatoes, oregano,·Pizza Romana: tomatoes, oregano,·
mozzarella, anchovies, and oilmozzarella, anchovies, and oil
Pizza Quattro Formaggi: tomatoes,·Pizza Quattro Formaggi: tomatoes,·
mozzarella, stacchino, fontina,mozzarella, stacchino, fontina,
andand gorgonzolagorgonzola
Pizza Viennese: tomato,·Pizza Viennese: tomato,·
mozzarella,mozzarella, German sausage,German sausage,
oregano, and oiloregano, and oil
Pizza Capricciosa: mozzarella,·Pizza Capricciosa: mozzarella,·
tomato,tomato, mushrooms, artichokes,mushrooms, artichokes,
cooked ham,cooked ham, olives, and oilolives, and oil
16. Adaptations Around theAdaptations Around the
WorldWorld
Australia: Traditional Australian pizzaAustralia: Traditional Australian pizza
consists of a tomato sauce base,consists of a tomato sauce base,
mozzarella cheese, bacon, and egg.mozzarella cheese, bacon, and egg.
Brazil: Traditional Brazilian PizzaBrazil: Traditional Brazilian Pizza
consists of a tomato sauce base withconsists of a tomato sauce base with
mozzarella, but is topped off with sweetmozzarella, but is topped off with sweet
things, such as banana, chocolate, orthings, such as banana, chocolate, or
pineapple.pineapple.
Malaysia: Some major pizza shopsMalaysia: Some major pizza shops
are Dominos, Pizza Hut, and Papaare Dominos, Pizza Hut, and Papa
JohnJohn''s.s.
17. India: Pizzas consist of various IndianIndia: Pizzas consist of various Indian
flavoured toppings, for exampleflavoured toppings, for example
tandoori chicken.tandoori chicken.
Israel: Some pizzas have huge amountsIsrael: Some pizzas have huge amounts
of vegetables for toppings. There areof vegetables for toppings. There are
also some pizzas with unusual toppingsalso some pizzas with unusual toppings
such as yogurt.such as yogurt.
Pakistan: Not all of Pakistan has beenPakistan: Not all of Pakistan has been
introduced to pizza but in places thatintroduced to pizza but in places that
have been, the popular pizzas are spicy-have been, the popular pizzas are spicy-
chicken and sausage-based.chicken and sausage-based.
18. Nutrition FactsNutrition Facts
Generally, pizza is not exactly good forGenerally, pizza is not exactly good for
you and is known for having lots ofyou and is known for having lots of
salt, fat, and calories; however, itsalt, fat, and calories; however, it
really depends where the pizza wasreally depends where the pizza was
made. For example, Pizza Hut Pizza’smade. For example, Pizza Hut Pizza’s
have way more calories, fat, and salt,have way more calories, fat, and salt,
than homemade pizza.than homemade pizza.
European nutrition research showsEuropean nutrition research shows
that people who eat pizza at least oncethat people who eat pizza at least once
a week have a lower chance of gettinga week have a lower chance of getting
cancer in the mouth, oesophagus, andcancer in the mouth, oesophagus, and
throat. One scientist thinks this is duethroat. One scientist thinks this is due
to lycopene, an antioxidant chemical into lycopene, an antioxidant chemical in
the tomatoes which is known to protectthe tomatoes which is known to protect
you from cancer.you from cancer.
19. From Rags to RichesFrom Rags to Riches
The pizza moved almost over night,The pizza moved almost over night,
from being a mystery to mostfrom being a mystery to most
Americans, to over powering theAmericans, to over powering the
hamburger and hotdog in popularity.hamburger and hotdog in popularity.
In the 1940’s, pizza was virtuallyIn the 1940’s, pizza was virtually
unknown in America but by the 1950’s,unknown in America but by the 1950’s,
in the years following World War II,in the years following World War II,
pizza was the most popular partypizza was the most popular party
food because of it’s delicious taste,food because of it’s delicious taste,
and it’s quick and easy preparation.and it’s quick and easy preparation.
After WorldAfter World War II peopleWar II people
craved fun and this cravingcraved fun and this craving
seemed to be satisfied by pizza.seemed to be satisfied by pizza.