Pizza

Pizza, a cherished Italian delicacy, consists of a round, flattened dough base topped with tomatoes, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, it's baked at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven. The term "pizza" was first documented in Italy in the 10th century. Over time, pizza has evolved from a local specialty to a global favorite, available at pizzerias, restaurants, and for delivery worldwide. The art of making Neapolitan pizza is so revered that UNESCO has recognized it as intangible cultural heritage.

Pizza’s origins can be traced back to ancient times, with various cultures creating flatbreads topped with different ingredients. The modern pizza we recognize today originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th or early 19th century. A famous chapter in pizza history is the creation of the Margherita pizza, which symbolizes the colors of the Italian flag. Pizza made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants and gained tremendous popularity after World War II.

Whether prepared fresh, frozen, whole, or in slices, pizza can be cooked in numerous ways, including brick ovens, electric ovens, or even on the grill. There are countless types of crusts and toppings, but cheese remains a staple ingredient. Regional variations abound, from Chicago's deep-dish to New York-style pizza.

In the United States and Canada, October is celebrated as National Pizza Month, a time when people indulge in various types of pizza. Similar dishes include calzone, stromboli, farinata, and manakish. The pizza industry is expansive, with records being set for the largest or most expensive pizzas.

While pizza is beloved worldwide, some varieties raise health concerns due to high sodium, fat, and calorie content. However, moderate pizza consumption may offer health benefits, thanks to ingredients like lycopene in pizza sauce.