Fact or Bluff: Debunking Myths About Traditional Italian Pizza
If there is one food everyone loves, it is probably pizza. This flatbread is not just tasty, but it is also fun to eat. Who would say no to its starchy crust and cheesy and meaty toppings? No one. It is so popular now that a lot of people have created their versions. But because of this, too, traditional Italian pizza’s identity became confusing.
Aside from knowing pizza is Italian food (or was it?), we know little to nothing at all about this revolutionary dish. There are many claims about its origin and even the perfect way to cook it. But it is hard to take anyone’s word for it. That is why we created a list to debunk the most common misconceptions of pizza.
Continue reading this article to learn more about the myths about traditional Italian pizza. You will also have a fair share, or shall we say—a slice of truth—if you read through below.
1. Italians Invented Pizza
Italians did not invent pizza. That might be unclear to you because we assume that Italians devised pizza all this time. But it is not. So, it is time to unlearn this and delve into truths.
Although the flatbread with sauce and cheese version of pizza probably originated in Naples, Italians find it unlikely to take credit for inventing pizza. As a yeasted bread with ingredients baked into it, pizza had its origin with the Greeks.
The meal from which pizza is derived is known as plakuntos, ancient Greek’s bread. With Greece founded Naples as a port city, Italians’ pizza may descend from Greek flat breads. But pizza’s history of popularity preceded in Italy. Many archaeological and visual evidence of flat breads with spots on them were discovered.
2. Never Eat Pizza with Knife and Fork
Many find it unusual to eat traditional Italian pizza with a knife and fork because people use their hands most of the time. However, pizza is casual, and the moment you put rules on eating this pie is unlikely. So, next time you get the chance, it is your call whether to use a knife and fork or not. But you should, though, especially when the pizza is steamy and hot.
3. You Can Order Pepperoni Pizza in Italy
We have good news for pepperoni pizza lovers. You can order pepperoni pizza in Italy. But you would not get anything with sausage on it because pepperoni does not exist in Italy. If you order this type of pizza, you will get peperoni or bell peppers. The sausage mixed with beef and pork that is cured, fermented, aged, and smoked is an American thing. Sadly, they do not do that in Italy.
4. Fresh Dough Is Better
Fresh dough is excellent, but not for traditional Italian pizzas. It might be a surprise, but pizza places do not use fresh dough to make their bestselling pie. Although it is easy to understand why people would choose dough made that day over dough that is a day or two days old, it is not the case for making pizzas. What is behind this is proofing. It is more than a physical rising because the entire process allows time for fermentation, which develops flavour. Nevertheless, you can still use fresh dough in making pizza if that is what you prefer.
5. Servicemen Popularise Pizza in the US
Many believed that pizza originated in Italy and went global around 1945 after WWII. But when you ask some historians, it does not align with what happened in Naples. There was only a limited number of US troops during the invasion of Italy. Most soldiers were in England, France, and Western Europe.
At this time, pizza was still a regional dish confined to Southern Italy and Naples. When US troops arrived, Naples was destitute. They even emptied the city’s aquarium and ate all the fish because they were so desperate. In this case, soldiers would not have had great food in Naples.
6. San Marzano Tomatoes Are Great to Make Sauce
People quickly get confused. They think that San Marzano is a special Italian tomato. But it is a name of a seed, which you can grow well or poorly. In Europe, San Marzano is a predicted region that cultivates high-quality tomatoes. Next time you are torn between two types of tomatoes, choose the one that you like best. You can do the same for canned tomatoes. At least buy three and taste them.
7. Mozzarella Is Best for Your Pie
A lot of diehard traditional Italian pizza fans may argue mozzarella made with water buffalo milk is the superior cheese for your pie. But hear this out—the best cheese to use depends on the style of pizza you are cooking.
For example, the best cheese for New York-style pizza is those individually wrapped logs of cheese they make in Brooklyn. If you want to make a soupier pie, use Mozzarella di Bufala because it contains more water. On the other hand, use drier cheese to make New York pizza.
8. Pizza Is Unhealthy
You may not eat pizza because a lot of health enthusiasts are saying that it is unhealthy. That is also the reason why most people do not eat pizza for breakfast. They have been told it is unhealthy to start the day with fatty and salty food. But not all pizza is bad for your health. Pizza becomes unhealthy when it is cooked with processed ingredients. Many restaurants now offer healthier options for those who like their pizza not only hearty but also healthy.
If you are looking for a delectable traditional Italian pizza, visit Cucina Dolce at 8/426 Nepean Highway, Chelsea or order via our website. We deliver to the following areas: Bayside, Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Bonbeach, Carrum, Patterson lakes, Edithvale, Aspendale areas. We are also open for takeaway all day from Monday to Sunday. For more details and enquiries, call 03 9772 9091 or email fred@cucinadolce.com.au.
