The earliest pizzas were simple flatbreads, often topped with garlic, salt, olive oil, lard, and cheese. With the introduction of tomatoes from the Americas in the 16th century, pizza underwent a transformative change. Initially met with skepticism, tomatoes became a staple topping by the late 17th century, giving pizza its distinctive flavor and color. By the 19th century, pizza had evolved into a popular dish in Naples, with pizzerias and street vendors catering to the city's large population.
A pivotal moment in pizza's history occurred in 1889 when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. The story goes that the queen asked to try the local specialty, prompting pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito to create a pizza that mirrored the colors of the Italian flag—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. This pizza, named Pizza Margherita in her honor, became a symbol of Italian pride and remains one of the most famous varieties today.
The widespread popularity of pizza truly took off with the wave of Italian immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In cities like New York and Chicago, Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the American public, where it quickly became a beloved dish. Over time, pizza has undergone countless regional adaptations, including Chicago deep-dish, New York-style, and California gourmet pizzas. Today, pizza is a global phenomenon, with unique variations enjoyed worldwide, from traditional Neapolitan pizzas to fusion styles incorporating diverse global ingredients.
The Origin and Evolution of Pizza
