Pizza

Variations of Pizza have existed since the early days of baked bread, up to 3000 years ago. However, the pizza modern people are most familiar with originated in Naples around 500 years ago. This was the first time baked bread was topped with tomatoes and cheese.

Pizza Varieties

Most pizzas in America, Europe and around the world are based on the Neapolitan style. This pizza is traditionally made with Italian wheat flour, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and buffalo milk. The crust should be tender and crispy.

Sicilian pizza has toppings mixed in with the dough and baked into the crust. Pizza Hut sells a variety of this style called "Stuffed Crust Pizza," though the appearance and taste of this product are far from authentic.

Pizza Toppings

The rise of gourmet pizza in the United States has precipitated several creative toppings typically saved for other meals. Apart from the traditional pepperoni, sausage, anchovies and mushrooms, the second half of the 20th century saw the inclusion of pineapple, chicken, feta cheese, avocado, salmon and prawns.

Fast Facts

1. October is National Pizza Month
2. Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping
3. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the busiest pizza delivery days of the year
4. Though Italians use fresh tomatoes, Americans were the first to spread tomato sauce on pizza
5. St. Louis Pizza: Thin crust and Provel cheese
6. Chicago Pizza: Deep dish with sauce on top
7. Hawaiian Pizza is most popular in the U.S., Canada, and Sweden

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