Tracing the history of pizza
From a food for the poor to the royal seal of approval, though to global fame: pizza, as we know it today, has quite a story to tell. dieci takes a look back at the journey taken by this popular dish.
Pizza’s origins can be traced back to the Etruscans and the Ancient Greeks. However, many say that pizza margherita, as we know it today, came from the Italian coastal city of Naples, where it was long seen as food for the poor. Back then, people thought tomatoes’ bright red colour meant they were poisonous. As a result, they only made their way onto pizza because of the famine at the time.
A right royal treat
One widespread rumour says that King Umberto and his wife, Queen Margherita, first tasted the dish that would become Italy’s national food in Naples in 1889. During this visit, the Queen’s favourite was a pizza in the colours of the Italian flag, with mozzarella, tomato and basil. Pizza margherita was born, and it remains a much-loved pizza today. It is one of the most frequently ordered varieties in dieci’s range, too – second only to customised pizzas.
From Italy to the world
Jobs in factories attracted lots of Italians to the USA in the late 19th century. These Italian migrants also brought their pizza recipes with them – and they were a hit with the American populace. The lack of local Italian ingredients led to a new version of pizza being created in the USA: American pizza with a thick base. In the USA, the toppings of the Neapolitan pizza also evolved into everything from grilled chicken to exotic pineapple. And at around 3,800 orders a month, pineapple is a popular choice, especially for young dieci fans.
The origins of dieci pizza
It’s scarcely possible to prove whether pizza really came from the Etruscans and actually had its breakthrough thanks to Queen Margherita. One thing we do know for sure, though, is that most of the dieci range has its roots in Neapolitan pizza culture. Many of the ingredients come from this region, too. That said, some varieties with American-inspired toppings are also hugely popular.
Fancy a dieci pizza, made with authentic Italian ingredients and available in creative varieties? Check out our range.
