Team Factend
Pizza is one of the world’s most loved fast foods. Modern pizza originated in Napoli, Italy.
It has become a household name in Europe, America, and Asia, with many pizzerias to choose from. In 2017, it was also included in UNESCO’s list of ‘intangible cultural heritage.
In this article, we have covered 20 interesting facts about pizza.
Here are 20 Interesting Facts About Pizza:
1. The Word ‘Pizza‘ first appeared in a Latin text
The word ‘pizza’ first appeared in a Latin text from the Italian town of Gaeta, in 997 AD. It was then a part of the Byzantine Empire. The word ‘pizza’ in this case might have referred to something like bread or flat bread prepared with cheese.
Later in history, it was used to refer to something that could be either flatbread or fresh dough prepared with cheese and topped with onions and herbs.
Finally, pizza moved into Italy where it became popular among its Romans who liked the simplicity and flexibility of making this dish at home using ingredients they could easily get locally as opposed to importing them by boat from Europe or by camel caravan from Africa.
This recipe is an ode to what these Roman Romans did back then – make a rich, delicious pizza at home without having to move out into the country!
2. National Pizza Month
One of the lesser-known facts about pizza is that the United States celebrates National Pizza Month every October.
This tradition began in 1984, when Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today magazine, decided to honor the dish’s immense popularity.
Pizza Month highlights the cultural significance of pizza, from its humble origins in Italy to its status as a beloved favorite across the U.S. Throughout October, pizza lovers and restaurants celebrate with special deals, events, and creative new toppings, making it the perfect time to indulge in this iconic dish.
3. Pizza Expo
Pizza is so popular in the US that Las Vegas, Nevada, actually has an International Pizza Expo.
It is hosted every year in the month of March where thousands of guests attend to the best ingredients, pizza makers, and cooking tips.
4. Pizza theorem
One of the surprising facts about pizza is that there’s actually a mathematical concept named after it, called the “Pizza theorem.” First proposed in 1976 by mathematician Upton, the theorem explores how to evenly divide a circular pizza using straight cuts from the center.
It might sound simple, but this concept became a fun and challenging problem in geometry. The Pizza theorem demonstrates that when cutting a pizza into an even number of slices, alternating slices on opposite sides will have equal areas. This quirky mathematical insight adds another layer of intrigue to everyone’s favorite dish!
5. Pizza brain
Pizza Brain, a farm-to-table, all-natural artisan pizzeria and museum is located in the heart of Philadelphia.
The brain of the whole operation is a team of artists and chefs who love to make pizza so much that they decided to create their own little slice of heaven.
It is a place to discover the history and heritage of pizza. The museum has a collection of posters, movies, books, postcards, and videos that bring you closer to its unique culture and history.
If you are a pizza lover, then this museum is definitely worth visiting.
6. Dipping sauce
Pizza sauce has gained popularity in the US and worldwide over the years.
In 1984, Papa John’s invented the first pizza sauce to help you dip those perfect slices of served-up pizza.
Papa John’s has been dipping pizza for over almost 40 years with its tasty, carefully crafted sauces.
7. Pizza in space
A 6-inch pizza was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001, to Russian astronaut Yuri Usachov.
It was a publicity stunt that cost them over one million dollars but with that Pizza Hut became the first restaurant chain to deliver pizza to the space.
8. National Pizza Day
One of the fun facts about pizza is that it has its own special day! National Pizza Day is celebrated on February 9th each year in the United States.
Established in 2000, this day has become a global celebration for pizza lovers everywhere. On National Pizza Day, people honor their favorite dish by indulging in delicious slices, trying new flavors, and enjoying special deals from pizzerias.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a creative topping combination, it’s the perfect day to savor the taste of this beloved food. Pizza fans worldwide unite on this day to show their love for the iconic dish!
9. Margherita
The first Margherita pizza was created by a baker named Raffaele Esposito in 1889 when King Umberto 1 and Queen Margherita of Italy visited Napoli.
The cook at the Fieschi’s restaurant, Raffaele Esposito, decided to make an original dish for their visit.
10. Octavian Augustus
The first Margherita pizza was created by a baker named Raffaele Esposito in 1889 when King Umberto 1 and Queen Margherita of Italy visited Napoli.
The cook at the Fieschi’s restaurant, Raffaele Esposito, decided to make an original dish for their visit.
11. $130 Billion Industry
Although pizza has been around for a very long, history has shown that it truly came into its own when it was invented in Naples, Italy.
It was also there that the word “pizza” first started appearing in Italian-language dictionaries.
Today, this popular Italian dish is made by millions of people all around the world every day.
Yet despite its widespread popularity, the pizza industry is still relatively young and continues to expand at an incredible pace!
The pizza industry is worth around $130 billion USD globally. The highest-earning restaurants are Domino’s, which had revenue of over $8.64 billion USD in 2017.
12. Pizza Every Day
An interesting fact about pizza is that around 13% of the U.S. population enjoys it every day. This makes pizza a staple in many households across the country.
The states with the highest proportions of daily pizza consumers are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, California, and New York. These states have a deep appreciation for pizza, whether it’s a classic New York-style slice or a deep-dish creation from Chicago.
This daily consumption highlights pizza’s widespread popularity and its role as a convenient and beloved meal option for many Americans.
13. Lombardi’s since 1905
Lombardi’s, New York City’s original pizza shop, opened in 1905. The first store location was at the corner of East 2nd and Lexington Avenue, which is now an antique market.
A few years later, the company moved to its current location at 19th and Broadway in Manhattan.
They have since evolved their offerings and expanded across the country, with locations in California, Virginia, and Illinois.
Today, Lombardi’s is still going strong and serves delicious, authentic Italian-American-style pizzas to the people of the Tri-State area.
14. US military and pizza
The US military came up with a ready-to-eat pizza in 2017. This has helped the United States to gain an advantage over other nations.
The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center developed the award-winning packaging for this product, which has been shown to be both delicious and nutritious by soldiers and other military personnel around the world.
15. Bill Murray and Jean-Claude Van Damme
It is among the intriguing facts about pizza where two famous actors, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Bill Murray involve. Both stars, hailing from New York, have interesting pizza-related backstories. Before their rise to fame, both Van Damme and Murray worked at pizza restaurants during their teenage years.
Their early jobs in the pizza industry provided them with valuable experience and perhaps even a love for the dish. This pizza connection adds a unique twist to their biographies, linking their rise to stardom with the humble beginnings of flipping pizzas. It’s a fun reminder that even celebrities have their roots in everyday jobs and, in this case, a shared appreciation for pizza.
16. Hawaiian pizza
One of the fascinating facts about pizza is the origin of Hawaiian pizza. Despite its name, Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada, not Hawaii. Created by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant to Canada, in 1962, this unique pizza features a thin crust topped with a spicy sauce, pineapple, and ham.
Panopoulos’s inventive combination aimed to offer a sweet and savory twist to traditional pizza. The unusual topping quickly gained popularity and sparked debates about pineapple on pizza, but it remains a beloved choice for many pizza enthusiasts around the world. This fact highlights how global culinary traditions can blend to create something new and unexpected.
17. Pie or slice?
It’s hard to imagine how a few slices of pizza were once the size of a pie.
At first, pizzas in the US were sold by the pie. ‘Patsy’s Pizzeria’ in New York City started selling pizzas by the slice in 1933, which became very popular.
18. Pizza-man
Pizza-man is the world’s only pizza-themed superhero movie launched in 2011.
The film star, Frankie Muniz has worked as a pizza delivery guy who acquires superpowers after eating tomato pizza.
19. Pizza-flavored Beer
An intriguing fact about pizza is its influence on various products beyond just food. In the U.S., you can find pizza-flavored beer, alongside other unconventional items like pizza-flavored condoms, cigarettes, ice cream, and potato chips.
This trend highlights the versatility and widespread appeal of pizza, inspiring flavors that go beyond the traditional pie. Pizza-flavored beer, for example, combines the savory taste of pizza with the refreshing qualities of beer, offering a unique taste experience for adventurous consumers.
These creative products underscore how beloved pizza is, inspiring manufacturers to experiment and bring its iconic flavor to a variety of new and unexpected markets.
20. The Dough doctor
The Dough doctor is Tom Lehmann, a pizza expert, associated with the American Institute of Baking. He solves unique problems related to pizza-making and his clients include people from all over the globe.
Pizza is one of the most loved foods on the planet. With the ease of snacking and the irresistible taste that pizzas provide, it is no surprise that an average American eats around 6000 slices of pizza in his lifetime. Looks like pizza is here to stay!
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Conclusion: Pizza Facts
In conclusion, these fascinating facts about pizza showcase its rich history, cultural significance, and global popularity. From its humble beginnings in Italy to its celebrated status worldwide, pizza has become much more than just a dish – it’s a universal favorite. Whether it’s the unique origins of the word “pizza,” the creation of the first Margherita pizza, or the incredible $130 billion industry it has evolved into, pizza continues to captivate food lovers across the globe. With events like National Pizza Day and the International Pizza Expo, it’s clear that pizza is here to stay, loved by millions every day.
How many of these interesting facts about Pizza did you already know? Let us know in the comment section below!
