Pizza Facts
Pizza is a beloved food all around the world, and it has a long and fascinating history. Here are some interesting pizza facts that you may not have known:
1st Pizza fact
The first recorded mention of pizza dates back to ancient Greece, where flatbreads topped with herbs, oil, and cheese were served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. However, pizza as we know it today originated in Italy.
2nd Pizza fact
The word "pizza" is thought to come from the Latin word "pinsa," which means "flatbread."
3rd Pizza fact
The first pizzeria in the world, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples, Italy in 1738. It is still in operation today.
4th Pizza fact
The Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Italy, was created in 1889 by the pizza chef Raffaele Esposito. It is made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, and is meant to represent the colors of the Italian flag.
5th Pizza fact
Pizza became popular in the United States after World War II, when soldiers returning from Italy craved the food they had enjoyed while stationed there. Today, pizza is a staple in American cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
6th Pizza fact
The most expensive pizza in the world is the "Louis XIII," which is sold at the Salerno restaurant in Italy for €12,000 (about $13,670). The pizza is made with rare ingredients such as caviar, lobster, and truffles, and it is served in a gold-plated dish.
7th Pizza fact
The largest pizza ever made was 122 feet in diameter and weighed over 26,000 pounds. It was created in Rome, Italy in 2012.
8th Pizza fact
The world's fastest pizza maker can make 14 pizzas in just two minutes and 35 seconds.
9th Pizza fact
October is National Pizza Month in the United States.
10th Pizza fact
The most popular topping in the United States is pepperoni, followed by mushroom and sausage.
11th Pizza fact
In 2017, Americans consumed approximately 251.7 million pounds of pepperoni on pizzas.
12th Pizza fact
The biggest pizza delivery company in the world is Domino's, which was founded in 1960 and now operates in over 85 countries.
13th Pizza fact
Pizza has even made it to space! In 2001, astronaut Yuri Usachov ordered a pizza from Earth while aboard the International Space Station.
14th Pizza fact
In Italy, it is traditional to eat pizza with a knife and fork. However, in the United States, it is more common to eat pizza with your hands.
15th Pizza fact
The average American eats around 46 slices of pizza per year.
Pizza is a versatile and delicious food that has a rich history and culture. From its humble beginnings in ancient Greece to its widespread popularity today, pizza has truly stood the test of time. Whether you prefer classic toppings like pepperoni and mushroom or more unique options like truffles and lobster, there is a pizza for everyone. So next time you enjoy a slice (or two), take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved food.
