What is Margherita pizza?

Margherita pizza features tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil on a simple crust. Legend says pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created it in 1889 for Queen Margherita of Savoy. The red, white, and green toppings represent the Italian flag colors. It remains the most iconic pizza variety worldwide.

When did pizza come to America?

Italian immigrants brought pizza to America in the late 19th century. The first American pizzeria, Lombardi's, opened in New York City in 1905. Pizza remained primarily in Italian American communities until after World War II, when returning soldiers created widespread demand for this Italian dish.

How hot is a pizza oven?

Traditional wood fired pizza ovens reach temperatures of 800°F to 900°F (427°C to 482°C). Authentic Neapolitan pizza cooks at these extreme temperatures for just 60 to 90 seconds. The intense heat creates the characteristic charred spots and soft, elastic crust that defines Neapolitan style pizza.

Is Neapolitan pizza UNESCO protected?

Yes, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizzaiuolo as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. This designation honors the traditional craft, skills, and cultural significance of Neapolitan pizza making. It protects the authentic techniques and methods used by traditional pizzaiolos in Naples.

What is the difference between pizza styles?

Pizza styles vary by crust thickness, cooking method, and toppings. Neapolitan pizza has a soft, thin crust with simple toppings. New York style is thin and foldable. Chicago deep dish features thick crust forming a bowl. Each region developed distinctive characteristics based on local preferences and traditions.

How much pizza do Americans eat?

Americans consume approximately 3 billion pizzas annually, making the United States the largest pizza market worldwide. The US pizza industry generates about $145 billion in sales each year. The average American eats pizza multiple times per month, making it one of the most popular foods in the country.

Pizza is traditionally round because hand stretching dough naturally creates a circular shape. Pizzaiolos toss and stretch the dough from the center outward, which forms a round disc. This technique distributes the dough evenly and creates the characteristic thicker rim while keeping the center thin.

Pizza Facts: History, Origins & Italian Traditions

Explore the fascinating history of pizza worldwide

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century and became a global phenomenon. Discover pizza history, Italian traditions, and surprising facts about this beloved dish.

Key Facts

Origin

Naples, Italy

First Pizzeria

Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba (1738)

Margherita Created

1889

UNESCO Status

Intangible Cultural Heritage (2017)

Largest Market

United States

Annual US Sales

$145 billion

Pizza Styles

Neapolitan, Roman, New York, Chicago

Traditional Oven Temp

800°F to 900°F (427°C to 482°C)

Neapolitan Cook Time

60 to 90 seconds

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Origin City	Naples, Italy
First Pizzeria Opened	1738
Margherita Pizza Created	1889
UNESCO Heritage Status	2017
US Annual Consumption	3 billion pizzas
US Market Value	$145 billion annually
Wood Fired Oven Temp	800°F to 900°F
Traditional Cooking Time	60 to 90 seconds

About Pizza Facts: History, Origins & Italian Traditions

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, enjoyed by millions daily across every continent. This Italian creation has a rich history dating back centuries in Naples.

The Birth of Pizza in Naples

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy during the 18th century. Poor residents of Naples needed inexpensive food they could eat quickly. The first official pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples in 1738 and still operates today. The restaurant added indoor seating in 1830 and became a gathering place for artists and writers.

The Famous Margherita Pizza Legend

The most famous pizza origin story involves Queen Margherita of Savoy. In 1889, the queen visited Naples with King Umberto I. Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito from Pizzeria Brandi created three pizzas for the royal couple. Regardless of the true origin, Pizza Margherita remains the most iconic pizza variety worldwide.

Pizza Crosses the Atlantic

Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the late 19th century. The first pizzeria in America, Lombardi's, opened in New York City in 1905. The 1950s saw explosive growth in pizza popularity across the United States. Americans now consume approximately 3 billion pizzas annually, making the United States the largest pizza market in the world.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Standards

The dough requires only flour, water, salt, and yeast. Traditional toppings include San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. The pizza must cook in a wood fired oven at 800°F to 900°F (427°C to 482°C) for just 60 to 90 seconds. In 2017, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizzaiuolo as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Pizza Styles Around the World

Different regions have developed distinctive pizza styles with passionate followings. New York style pizza features a thin, foldable crust and generous cheese. Chicago deep dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust that forms a bowl for chunky tomato sauce. Detroit style pizza is rectangular with a thick, crispy crust and cheese that extends to the edges.

Pizza's Global Impact Today

Pizza has become a global phenomenon worth billions of dollars annually. The United States pizza industry alone generates approximately $145 billion in annual sales. February 9th is recognized as National Pizza Day in the United States. The global pizza market continues growing as new styles emerge and traditional methods gain renewed appreciation.

💡

Did You Know?

•

The first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples in 1738 and still operates today

•

Americans consume approximately 3 billion pizzas every year, more than any other country

•

UNESCO recognized Neapolitan pizza making as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017

•

Authentic Neapolitan pizza cooks for just 60 to 90 seconds in ovens reaching 900°F

•

Pizza Margherita was reportedly created for Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889

Frequently Asked Questions

Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy during the 18th century. Poor Neapolitan residents created flatbreads topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients as affordable street food. The first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples in 1738 and continues operating today.