The Fascinating History of Pizza

Pizza's ancestors date back to ancient times. The Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all enjoyed flatbreads with toppings. It was a simple meal for the poor, adorned with olive oil and herbs.

Modern pizza evolved in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Originally street food, it was sold in open-air stands and markets. The classic Margherita pizza pays homage to Italy's Queen Margherita.

In 1889, chef Raffaele Esposito created a pizza resembling the Italian flag: green (basil), white (mozzarella), and red (tomatoes) in honor of Queen Margherita's visit, thus the iconic Margherita pizza was born.

Immigrants brought pizza to America in the early 20th century. The first U.S. pizzeria, Lombardi's, opened in New York City in 1905. Today, pizza is a global phenomenon with regional variations.

The perfect pizza dough is a science. Temperature, humidity, and water quality affect fermentation. The dough's slow rise enhances flavor complexity, creating the foundation for a delectable pizza experience.

While some toppings are universal, others are quite unique. In Japan, squid and mayonnaise are popular, while in Brazil, green peas adorn slices. Australia enjoys a version with kangaroo meat.

The world's largest pizza was made in Rome in 2012. It covered 1.261 acres and was gluten-free. Meanwhile, the longest pizza extended over 1.3 miles, achieved in California in 2017.

In 2017, astronauts baked a pizza on the International Space Station, creating the first pizza ever made in space.