Pizzaphile is a term used to describe people who love or are obsessed with pizza. A common misconception is that these folks are called Pizzaiolo but this term actually refers to a man who makes pizza in a pizzeria.
Where Did Pizza Originate from?
This is a hot debate. Some argue pizza originated in Italy, others say pizza was invented in the US by Italian Americans. Let’s see if we can narrow this down.
The word ‘pizza’ may have originated from the Latin term pitta which means “a type of flatbread.” As it happens, the first pizzas were made by soldiers of the Persian King Darius I. These were flatbreads covered with cheese and dates. The Greeks later adopted similar dishes into their cuisine, adapting it to suit the culture at the time. Incorporating herbed breads and a variety of toppings.
Knowing that the original pizzas were made using flatbreads, it’s no surprise that cultures around the world have their own pizza origins and that the idea is far from unique. However, pizza as we have come to know it, with tomatoes, cheese, anchovies and garlic along with oil, originated in Naples. At the time it was seen as food for the less fortunate until Raffaele Esposito revolutionized pizza, making it more of what we see on our tables today.
What is Some Bizarre Pizza Trivia?
Here are some strange and fun facts about pizza:
- In the US, 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second!
- Pizza only became popular in America after WWII.
- One serving of pizza gives you more than half your recommended lycopene amount.
- The most expensive pizza in the world costs over $9,200 USD.
- The Guiness Book of World Records states the world’s largest pizza is currently 122 feet and 8 inches in diameter.
- You can get pizza made with marijuana in Cambodia.
- In the US October is “National Pizza Month.”
- If you are ordering from Domino’s there are 34 million ways you can have your pizza.
- Eggs are commonly used as a pizza topping in Australia.
- Squid and Mayo are commonly used as pizza toppings in Japan.
- In Scotland, most people eat their pizza deep-fried.