Who doesn’t like pizza? It’s loved universally which is why International Pizza Day is celebrated every year on 9 February. What a delicious opportunity to explore the global love for pizza.

Here are some facts about this versatile dish that has evolved over the past 500 years.

  • Did you know the first pizzas were square and/or rectangular? Originating from Naples, Italy, the first pizzas were made from flatbread, they quickly became popular because they were served with tomato and local ingredients. A tasty, cheap ,hearty lunch option for workers, this was maybe the kick start to street food and fast food as we know it today.
  • What do you think is the most popular pizza top in the USA? Pepperoni!
  • Take a guess at how big the world’s largest pizza is according to the Guinness World Records. In January 2023, Pizza Hut and YouTube star Airrack baked the world’s largest pizza in California measuring 1,261.65 square meters!
  • Have you wondered if the ingredients for a Hawaiian pizza originate from the islands of Hawaii? Of course, you have, as pineapples are grown there. Wrong! A chef in Canada added pineapple and awarded it the name Hawaiian.
  • Have you ever ordered a Margherita pizza?  It was named after Queen Margherita of Italy which is why it is topped with red tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and green basil which represent the colours of the Italian flag.

Over the course of five centuries, the  variety of crusts and toppings has evolved. Different cultures and regions twist and play with the ingredients and flavours. Pizza can be adapted to all palates and diets for people of all ages.

On International Pizza Day, be brave, be bold, and maybe try a new topping or two or three at one of Cayman’s popular pizzerias.

¡Buen provecho!

By Lisa Beauchamp

Source: awarenessdays, 11inchpizza.