216. Holy Pizza!!

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In this episode of Kimberly’s Italy, Kimberly and Tommaso take a deep dive into the history, myths, and personal stories surrounding Italy’s most beloved dish: pizza.

Key Points:

The Universal Appeal of Pizza:

• Pizza is a global phenomenon, with 3 billion pizzas sold annually in the United States and a similar production rate in Italy, despite the massive difference in size between the two countries.
• From ancient flatbreads like the Roman “penne focaccias” to the Greek “plakos,” the concept of topped dough is a universal cooking instinct.

The History of the Tomato and Neapolitan Origins:

• We examine the arrival of the tomato in the 16th century and why it was initially viewed with suspicion by the locals.
• Napoli in the 1700s served as the true birthplace of pizza, where it emerged as a necessary, affordable street food for the impoverished “Lazzaroni” population.
• We look at the rise of the first sit-down pizzerias, including the historic Antica Pizzeria Port d’Alba, which is still in business today.

Episode Highlight: Pizza Myths and Naming:

• We share the popular legend of Raffaele Esposito creating the Margherita pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
• Records suggest these flavor combinations existed decades earlier, proving that in Italy, every story has multiple versions.
• We clarify the origins of the “marinara” pizza, which, contrary to popular belief, is not named for seafood, but for the sailor’s wife who prepared it.

Personal Reflections and Memories:

• Kimberly and Tommaso share their formative experiences with pizza in Chicago and New England, from visits to the original Pizzeria Uno to local spots that were central to their youth.
• We discuss the transition from making homemade pizza in the U.S. to enjoying authentic Italian options in their new home.

Looking Ahead:

• We conclude this episode by noting that the conversation is far from finished. Join us in the next episode as we explore the savory evolution of pizza and examine the diverse regional styles you might encounter on your next trip to Italy.