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The History Behind Pizza: How They Make It

Pizza is one of the most popular foods out there, but how do they make it? How has it evolved over time?
pizza+with+berries

What is pizza?

 

Pizza is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its history can be traced back to ancient cultures that produced basic flatbreads with several toppings . The precursor of pizza was probably the focaccia, a flatbread known to the Romans as Panis Focacius, to which toppings were then added . Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, in the 18th or early 19th century . The word pizza was first documented in AD 997 in Gaeta and successively in different parts of Central and Southern Italy .

The innovation that led to flatbread pizza was the use of tomato as a topping. For some time after the tomato was taken to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, it was believed by many Europeans to be poisonous, as are some other fruits of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family . However, the tomato was eventually accepted as a food item and was added to flatbreads in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century .

The engineering aspect of pizza lies in the process of making it. The dough is the foundation of the pizza, and it is essential to get the right consistency and texture. The dough must be kneaded to the right consistency, and the yeast must be activated to make the dough rise. The pizza oven is another critical component of the pizza-making process. The oven must be hot enough to cook the pizza quickly and evenly, but not so hot that it burns the crust. If the oven does not work correctly, the pizza will either be burned or not be cooked at all. This will lead to a black look in the crust, or a raw-tasting pizza.

The pizza-making process has been refined over the years, and today, there are many different types of pizza. Some of the most popular types of pizza include Neapolitan, New York-style, and Chicago-style pizza. Each type of pizza has its unique characteristics, and the dough, sauce, and toppings are all carefully selected to create the perfect pizza.

In conclusion, pizza has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The use of tomato as a topping was a significant innovation that led to the creation of flatbread pizza. The engineering aspect of pizza lies in the process of making it, from kneading the dough to cooking it in the oven. Today, pizza is enjoyed all over the world, and there are many different types of pizza to choose from. If it weren’t for this, we wouldn’t have one of the most favorited food in the world.

 

pepperoni pizza

 

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