Do you ever think why is pizza called pizza? What’s so special about it that it has its own unique name? Over the world, almost everyone knows this classic Italian dish and its name.
You probably never heard of “pie al taglio” or “torta di formaggio” or “teglia”? Well, these are all Italian names for what we call Pizza.
It seems like its name has a mysterious origin that can date back even further than the 9th century! In this article, we will take a look into the long history of pizza and why it is called Pizza. Have you ever wanted to explore this classic Italian dish and its name?
Then, keep reading to find out the story behind the Pizza’s extraordinary name!
Why is Pizza called Pizza?
Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It has been loved by people since it was first created in the 16th century in Naples, Italy.
But what does pizza mean and why is it called pizza?
The Origin of the Name Pizza
The name pizza comes from the Italian word “pizzare,” which means “to pinch or pluck”.
It first showed up in print in the 16th century around the area of Naples. This makes sense when you consider how a traditional pizza is usually made:
- The dough is pinched around the edges to create the crust
- Ingredients are plucked and placed on top
- The pizza is cut into uneven slices
The Italian word for the flatbread was “pane eaten all around Naples”.
The word spread throughout Italy and even into other languages, including English; where it was changed from “pane” to “pizza”.
How the Pizza We Know Today Came to Be
The pizza we know today is a far cry from its 16th century ancestor. Back then, it was a thin, flatbread made with simple ingredients like garlic, basil, and oil.
In 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy asked for a pizza made for her with red, white, and green ingredients—the colors of the Italian flag. The pizza she received was topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The pizza was so popular that it was soon called the “Margherita Pizza”, and remains a popular topping today.
Since that time, pizza has evolved into a variety of different styles and toppings. From New York-style thin crust to Chicago-style deep dish, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free pizzas are also now available.
Conclusion
Pizza has a long and fascinating history. The name pizza comes from the Italian word “pizzare” which means “to pinch or pluck”, referring to the traditional way of making pizza. The pizza we know today was first served to Queen Margherita of Italy in 1889, and has since evolved into a variety of styles and toppings.
Citation URL:https://www. thespruceeats. com/what-is-pizza-1807945https://www. eatthis. com/history-of-pizza/