National Pizzer Day

Cheerful family gathering around a large pizza, casual clothing, backyard picnic scene with colorful decorations and laughter in the air.. — National pizzer day illustration

Hey there pizza lovers! Are you ready to celebrate 'National Pizza Day'? Get your taste buds ready for a saucy adventure as we dive into the cheesy history and mouthwatering facts of this glorious day.

When is Pizzer Day?

It's national pizzer day on the 10th February.

The Cheesy Origins

It all started centuries ago when an Italian genius slapped some dough, sauce, and cheese together and created the culinary masterpiece we now know as pizza. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but pizza does have a fascinating history.

Although its exact origin is still debated, the ancient Greeks were indulging in flatbreads topped with olive oil and local spices. However, it was the Italians who took pizza to a whole new level.

The modern pizza we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy. In the late 18th century, Neapolitans added tomato sauce and cheese to their flatbread, creating the classic Margherita pizza. Legend has it that it was named after Queen Margherita of Italy who loved the red, white, and green toppings that represented the colors of the Italian flag.

Hundreds of years on, pizza has become a global sensation, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. From thin crust to deep-dish, from simple cheese to extravagant toppings, there's a pizza out there for everyone.

A Slice of Internet History

Pizza is not only a gastronomical delight but also an online sensation. National Pizza Day has been celebrated on social media platforms since the early days of the internet. It's no surprise that pizza is one of the most beloved topics of discussion.

According to our internet sleuthing, National Pizza Day has been mentioned a whopping 118 times online. The peak of pizza frenzy was on February 10th, 2016, when pizza lovers around the world united to declare their love for this delectable dish.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest pizza happened to be as big as a tennis court? With a diameter of over 131 feet, this monstrous pizza was made in Rome in 2012. Imagine the number of cheese and pepperoni slices required to cover that behemoth!

History behind the term 'Pizzer'

19th Century

The Birth of Pizza

Pizza, a dish that originated in Naples, Italy, is believed to have been first made in the late 18th century or early 19th century. However, the term 'pizzer' had not been coined yet. The earliest pizzas were simple and consisted of a flatbread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. They were often sold by street vendors and were popular among the working class for their affordable and delicious flavors.

1889

The Margherita Pizza

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples and admired the dish known as pizza. Raffaele Esposito, a renowned pizzaiolo (pizza maker) at the time, was commissioned to make a special pizza in her honor. He created a patriotic pizza using ingredients representing the colors of the Italian flag - red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil. This pizza was named 'Margherita' after the queen and gained popularity throughout Italy and beyond.

20th Century

Pizza in the United States

During the early 20th century, Italian immigrants started bringing pizza recipes to the United States. The first documented pizzeria in the US was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in New York City in 1905. As pizza became increasingly popular, the term 'pizzer' started being used to refer to the pizza makers themselves. The word 'pizzer' is derived from the Italian word 'pizzaiolo' and became an informal term to describe those who made and sold pizzas.

Late 20th Century

Global Spread and Commercialization

In the late 20th century, pizza became a global phenomenon. Fast food chains like Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut popularized pizza as a convenient and readily available meal option. With the widespread commercialization and globalization of pizza, the term 'pizzer' expanded to include anyone involved in the pizza industry, such as restaurant owners, delivery drivers, and even pizza enthusiasts.