100 Facts About Pizza | From Italy to The Super Bowl

Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved foods around the world. It’s a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it continues to be a favorite among people of all ages. From its humble beginnings in Italy to its current status as an international phenomenon, pizza has come a long way. Here are some interesting facts about pizza that you may not have known before!

The History of Pizza

Pizza has a rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region. The precursor to pizza was a flatbread known as focaccia, which was topped with various ingredients such as olive oil and salt.

The modern pizza as we know it today, however, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. At that time, pizza was a simple dish made with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings such as anchovies or garlic. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pizza became increasingly popular in the United States, particularly among Italian immigrants in cities like New York and Chicago.

Over time, pizza evolved to include a wide variety of toppings and styles, and it has since become one of the most popular and beloved foods in the world, enjoyed by people from all cultures and backgrounds.

Interesting Facts About Pizza

• The history of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, who baked flatbreads with various toppings. However, modern pizza as we know it today originated in Italy in the late 19th century.
• Pizza is considered a staple dish in Italy, and there are many regional variations, such as Neapolitan, Roman, and Sicilian pizza.
• There are many different types of pizza, including Margherita, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Vegetarian, and BBQ Chicken.
• Some people consider themselves pizza experts and have extensive knowledge about the dish, its history, and various recipes.
• Pizza delivery is a popular industry, and pizza delivery guys play an important role in getting hot, fresh pizzas to customers’ doors.
• Pizza crust is a critical component of the dish and can vary greatly, from thin and crispy to thick and chewy.
• Pizza Brain is a museum and pizzeria in Philadelphia that claims to have the largest collection of pizza-related memorabilia in the world.
• One acre of pizza contains approximately 70,000 slices of pizza.
• Hawaiian pizza, which is topped with pineapple and ham, is a controversial type of pizza and has divided opinions among pizza lovers.
• There are many varieties of pizza, including Margherita, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Vegetarian, and BBQ Chicken.

Facts About Pizza and Italy

• Antica Pizzeria, located in Naples, Italy, is one of the oldest pizzerias in the world and is known for its traditional Neapolitan pizza.
• The tomato puree used in pizza sauce is a key ingredient and is often made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
• The colors of the Italian flag, red (tomato puree), white (mozzarella cheese), and green (basil), are often used as toppings on Margherita pizza.
• According to the Guinness World Records, the largest pizza ever made was in Rome, Italy in 2012 and measured 1,261 square meters.
• According to the Guinness World Records, the fastest pizza maker can make 14 pizzas in just 2 minutes and 35 seconds.
• Renato Viola, an Italian pizzamaker, is credited with creating the first Margherita pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
• Italian pizzas are known for their thin crusts and simple, classic toppings, such as Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.

Facts About Pizza Around the World

• Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian, is credited with being the first person to put pineapple on pizza, leading to the creation of the Hawaiian pizza.
• Yuri Usachov, a Russian cosmonaut, became the first person to bake pizza in space aboard the International Space Station.
• Some people love extra cheese on their pizza, making it a fun and delicious treat.
• National Pizza Day is celebrated every year on February 9th, while National Sausage Pizza Day is celebrated on October 11th.
• Pizza parlors, or pizzerias, are popular eating establishments that specialize in pizza.
• Delicious pizza can be made with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, sauce, crust, and toppings.
• The largest pizza chains in the world include Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.
• Pizza cheese is often made from mozzarella, which is known for its stretchy, melty texture.
• A 6-inch salami pizza is a classic and popular variety of pizza.
• Actual pizza, or “true” pizza, refers to traditional Italian-style pizzas, such as Neapolitan or Roman-style pizzas.
• American pizza is known for its thicker crusts and variety of toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables.
• Pizza Brain is a museum and pizzeria in Philadelphia that claims to have the largest collection of pizza-related memorabilia in the world.
• Deep dish pizza, which is a type of pizza with a thick, fluffy crust and high sides, is a popular variety in the United States.
• Everyone has their favorite type of pizza, and it is a universally loved dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
• A hot pizza is a true comfort food and can be enjoyed any time of day or night.
• Pineapple on pizza is a controversial topping that some people love and others hate, but it remains a popular option for many pizza lovers.
• Pizza boxes are a staple in the pizza delivery industry and are used to keep pizzas hot and prevent them from getting crushed during transport.
• Pizza delivery drivers are the unsung heroes of the pizza world, bringing hot, delicious pizzas to homes and businesses all over the world.
• A pizza joint is a casual, laid-back restaurant that specializes in pizza.
• Neapolitan-style pizzas, with their thin crusts, simple toppings, and wood-fired ovens, are considered the original and most traditional form of pizza.
• Everyone has their favorite type of pizza, whether it’s loaded with toppings or simply topped with cheese and sauce.
• Pizza Brain in Philadelphia claims to have the largest collection of pizza-related memorabilia in the world, including rare and unique pizza boxes, t-shirts, and toys.
• A pizza museum, such as the Pizza Museum in Los Angeles, provides a fun and interactive experience for pizza lovers, showcasing the history, art, and culture of pizza.
• Pizza slices, the individual portions of a larger pizza, are a convenient and portable way to enjoy this delicious food on the go.
• Pizza teams, such as the competitive pizza-making teams in the World Pizza Championships, showcase the skills and creativity of pizzamakers from around the world.
• Pizza toppings are a key aspect of this beloved dish, with options ranging from classic ingredients like pepperoni and sausage to more unconventional choices like pineapple and anchovies.
• Popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, sausage, and peppers.
• October is National Pizza Month in the United States.
• The most expensive pizza in the world is made with caviar, lobster, and 24-carat gold flakes and costs over $12,000.
• Types of caviar used as pizza toppings include Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga.
• Frozen pizza is a popular convenience food enjoyed by many.
• Pizza is one of America’s favorite foods.
• Popular pizza restaurant chains include Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.
• It is estimated that there are over 63,000 acres of pizza consumed in the US every day.
• Pizza dough is typically made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and sometimes sugar and oil.
• Pizza chefs, also known as pizzaiolos, are highly skilled in the art of making pizza.
• Fun pizza varieties include dessert pizzas, breakfast pizzas, and mac and cheese pizzas.
• A typical large pizza can contain over 1 pound of cheese.
• Italian cheese, such as mozzarella and parmesan, are popular pizza toppings.
• Pizza is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy, and was first made by a pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito in the late 1800s.
• Some popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, sausage, and peppers, while more unusual toppings include pineapple, ham, and anchovies.
• Domino’s Pizza is a popular pizza chain that was founded in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and now has over 17,000 locations in more than 90 countries.
• Louis XIII, a restaurant in Salerno, Italy, is known for its $12,000 pizza, which is topped with buffalo mozzarella, lobster, three types of caviar, and pink Australian salt.

Fun Facts About Pizza

• Some fun facts about pizza include that the first pizza delivery was made in 1889 when King Umberto and Queen Margherita of Italy requested pizza from Raffaele Esposito. The margherita pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita and is still a popular pizza today.
• Another fun fact is that the world’s most expensive pizza, priced at over $12,000, is made by chef Cristian Dumitru and is topped with caviar, foie gras, truffles, and gold leaf.
• Italian pizza is typically thin-crusted and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil.
• The largest pizza ever made was over 122 feet in diameter, and it weighed over 26,000 pounds.
• The World Pizza Championship is held annually in Italy, attracting pizza makers from around the globe to compete in categories such as fastest pizza maker and best pizza.
• Chuck E. Cheese, a popular children’s restaurant, was originally called Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre and was founded in 1977.
• Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest day of the year for pizza delivery, with an estimated 12.5 million pizzas ordered on game day.
• In the United States, about 350 slices of pizza are consumed every second, and Americans eat an average of 23 pounds of pizza per person each year.
• The Hawaiian pizza, which features ham and pineapple as toppings, was invented in Canada in 1962 by a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos.
• Pizza is the most popular food in the world, and there are many different types of pizza, including Neapolitan, Chicago-style, and New York-style.

fun facts about Pizza and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a group of anthropomorphic turtles trained in martial arts, are known for their love of pizza.
2. In the original comic book series, the Turtles’ favorite pizza toppings included pepperoni, mushroom, and extra cheese.
3. In the 1987 animated television series, the Turtles’ favorite pizza toppings were changed to include more unusual combinations, such as jelly bean and sausage, marshmallow and pepperoni, and peanut butter and clams.
4. Pizza Hut became an official sponsor of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1989 and featured the Turtles in its commercials.
5. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been featured in multiple video games that involve pizza, including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Pizza Power Game.”
6. In the 2014 live-action film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the Turtles are shown eating pizza with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.
7. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have their own line of pizza-themed merchandise, including pizza cutters, aprons, and even a pizza oven.
8. The popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is often credited with helping to increase the popularity of pizza in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition to being a beloved food worldwide, pizza has also played a role in popular culture. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles famously love pizza, and the 1989 film “Mystic Pizza“ helped popularize the dish in the United States. Today, pizza remains a staple food for many people, whether enjoyed at a pizzeria, made at home, or delivered straight to your doorstep. With its endless topping options and versatility, it’s no wonder that pizza continues to be a favorite food for people of all ages. I hope these fun facts about Pizza, answered all your questions. And helped inspire your wanderlust.