The Italian Pizza Story: The Evolution of Pizza and its Modern Legends

Almost everyone loves pizza.   The history of Italian pizza is long and interesting. Let us look at how this simple dish became famous worldwide. We will also discover how traditional pizza ovens have played a role in shaping the unique pizzas. It also worth look at the story behind Pizza Margherita.

How the History of Italian Pizza Started

Before Italian pizza even existed, let’s travel back in time. Ancient Greeks and Romans already enjoyed flatbreads topped with various ingredients. For example, a flatbread with olive oil-drizzled and with herbs was common. So it started with the flatbreads. However, the concept of pizza as we know it (with specific ingredients and cooking methods) didn’t develop until much later in Naples. This is where the history of Italian pizza starts.

Pizza’s Italian Roots

Let us return to Naples in the 18th and 19th century. There is a popular belief that Neapolitan pizza is the greatest since Naples is the capital of the pizza. This city was a pioneer in creating the pizza we now eat each day. Before it became widely known, the original pizza was just a neighborly street food in Naples, popular among its working class.  This is how the history of Italian pizza started. However, the transformation of the pizza from simple street food to a global phenomenon happened over time like many other foods.

Gino Sorbillo: A Legend in Naples

Gino Sorbillo is one of the most well-known pizza makers in Naples is considered a global pizza legend. He was known to preserve the traditional techniques of Neapolitan pizza-making. His pizzeria is called “Sorbillo”.  Gino came from a generational pizza making family;  he is responsible for his family’s contribution to this craft. His pizzas follow the strict guidelines set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza Association), which includes using specific ingredients and baking methods. Sorbillo only uses the best fresh local ingredients with age-old techniques.  His life has been devoted to making pizza the way we know it today. Sorbillo is also known to use unique toppings that still respect traditional techniques.

The Role of Naples in Pizza History

Also, contrary to what you might think, Naples initially did not use tomatoes in their pizza toppings. Instead, the original pizzas featured ingredients like herbs, garlic, onions, olive oil, meats, anchovies, and vegetables. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tomatoes were introduced to pizza, marking a significant evolution in its history. The Margherita pizza, which incorporates tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is actually a relatively recent innovation. This modern version of Margherita pizza became popular in Naples in the late 19th century. The introduction of tomatoes was a major change that helped shape the pizza we recognize today.

The Story Behind Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita is one of the most famous pizzas. Raffaele Esposito created it in 1889 by.  He made the pizza for Queen Margherita, Italy’s queen consort from 1878 to 1900, known for her kindness and charitable work.  It was created in 1889 with toppings reflecting the Italian flag’s colors  (red from tomatoes, white from mozzarella, and green from basil) to honor her, and she loved it so much that it was named after her.   This symbolic design was a tribute to the Italian unification and its national identity.  Although Esposito did prepare the pizza for the queen, the full story behind its creation is more complex.

The Italian Pizza Oven: A Crucial Ingredient

• Traditional Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

An important part of making authentic Italian pizza is the Italian pizza oven. It typically consists of brick, stone, or clay and is designed to retain and radiate heat efficiently. If you ever wonder why these ovens are dome-shaped, it’s because the dome circulates the heat evenly.  These ovens use wood as fuel which gives a smoky flavor to pizza. The wood burns until it reaches the right heat, after which the embers are removed. These traditional, often wood-fired ovens, create the perfect pizza crust. The high, even heat from a wood-fired oven helps achieve a crispy yet tender crust with characteristic charred spots. Below is an example of a wood-fired oven:

• Gas Pizza Oven

Gas pizza ovens work similarly to wood-fired ovens but use gas for heating. They often have metal or brick interiors and provide precise temperature control. This makes them easier to use and maintain for both home and commercial kitchens. Popular models like the Ooni Koda 12 and Koda 15 are portable and great for home use.

• Electric Pizza Oven

These ovens are becoming more widespread because they are convenient and compact. Home kitchens and some small pizzerias use them, and they are also easy to install.  However, these ovens known to not reach the high temperatures of wood-fired ovens. Despite this, they offer a more consistent cooking environment and are suitable for modern kitchens.  Check out Breville’s famous home and commercial electric ovens.

• Hybrid Pizza Oven

A hybrid pizza oven uses multiple fuel source wood, charcoal, and gas offering versatile cooking options. It allows users to choose their preferred method, whether for smoky flavor, high heat, or convenience, adapting to various cooking preferences and conditions. These ovens provide the flexibility to experiment with different cooking techniques while maintaining traditional elements.   You can also check out Ooni for hybrid ovens as well.

Famous Pizza Shops Around the World

Pizza’s fame spread from Naples and it reached almost every country. Many pizza shops started making their marks with their uniqueness. Let’s take a look at a few legendary pizza spots:

• Di Fara Pizza (Brooklyn, New York)

Domenico DeMarco started Di Fara Pizza in 1965.  The legendary pizzeria is situated in Brooklyn. Domenico carefully handcrafts each pizza following a slow process. He uses high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and imported Italian cheese.

People wait for long hours just to get a bite of this celebrated pizza. Domenico DeMarco’s commitment to his craft and the unique way he prepares the pizza make Di Fara Pizza a must-visit spot for pizza enthusiasts.

• Pizzarium (Rome, Italy)

Bonci Pizzarium is famous for its different way of making pizzas. The founder is Gabriele Bonci who offers numerous original toppings as well as various flavor combinations on his pizzas. You can have it with figs or goat cheese.

His gastronomic bravery combined with the use of fresh, high-quality products earned him recognition. Bonci Pizzarium’s pizza comes by the slice so you can try out all sorts of different flavors within one visit.

• Da Michele

The pizzeria Da Michele is known to be one of Naples Italy’s oldest and most famous. It’s been around since 1870. This pizzeria has been making the classic Neapolitan pizza for the last 100 years. The have a simple menu,  there five types of pizza including one that has been its signature (Margherita), and the other  is Marinara.

The thing that really distinguishes L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is its traditional aspect. Many generations have passed on the recipe of the pizza which enabled it to hold the authenticity that is central to the history of the Italian pizza industry. With each slice, you are tasting a piece of history.

At L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, a dedicated chef creates authentic Neapolitan pizza:

Global Effects of Pizza

Pizza today is widespread, t is not only eaten but also shared and celebrated with friends and family. From original Italian pizza featuring top-notch fresh ingredients to new styles that come with toppings that are uniquely specific. Pizza now appeals to everyone worldwide.  Its adaptability to local tastes and ingredients has made it a universal favorite.

In many countries, people enjoy pizza differently, whether you’re savoring a classic Margherita or trying an unusual topping at your local pizzeria.

What Lies Ahead for Pizza?

One can not know for sure what the pizza industry is going to be like in the future, but everyone agrees on the fact that it pizza is going through a super rapid change right now. Some changes:

• Cold Fermentation means letting pizza dough rise slowly in the fridge for a few days. This makes the dough taste better and gives the crust a nicer texture.
• Rapid Dough Development uses special machines to mix and prepare dough quickly. This speeds up the process but still makes great pizza dough.
• Smoky Flavors come from using wood chips, which are small pieces of wood, to add a smoky taste to the pizza. When these chips are heated, they produce smoke that flavors the pizza crust or toppings, giving them a unique, rich taste.
• New Flavors are being created utilizing distinct ingredients and techniques while keeping the tradition.

Conclusion

The history of Italian pizza is an exciting journey full of innovation. It started in Naples and spread to famous pizza places all over the world. Pizza’s history is interesting and continues to make people happy. Simple ingredients made Pizza Margherita famous, and dedicated pizza makers helped shape its story.  The ongoing evolution of pizza reflects its ability to adapt and thrive across cultures and generations.