Pizza is one of the world’s favourite dishes today but originates from Italy. Naples is also known as the “birthplace of pizza”. A long time ago, Neapolitans needed a quick, simple, filling, and inexpensive meal. They began creating flatbreads with simple ingredients, including tomatoes, cheese, olive oil, and herbs. These early pizzas were quite different from how we know them today but certainly laid the foundation for the pizza we enjoy in modern times.
The biggest game changer was the introduction of the tomato. In the 16th century, tomatoes were brought to Europe from the Americas. At first, tomatoes were considered poisonous, but eventually, the Italians figured out how to use them as part of their cooking, and tomatoes became part of a pizza recipe. In the 18th century, pizza was everywhere on the streets of Naples. People could buy pizza from a shop and gobble it up while walking.
History of pizza from Italy to Australia
Margherita pizza may be the most recognizable pizza type, as it has the most basic toppings of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and tomatoes. Legend has it that it was named for Queen Margherita of Italy. In 1889, she visited Naples, and the pizzaiolo made the pizza in her honour. The colors of the toppings – green basil, white cheese, and red tomatoes – represented the Italian flag. Pizza symbolised Italian pride, and it remains popular in today’s world.
Pizza Spreading Across Italy
Once it took off in Naples, pizza eventually spread to different parts of Italy, each with their own take. Rome had thin, crunchy pizzas, while Sicily had thick pizza, also adding local ingredients such as anchovies or olives. The variations in pizza showed that it was not just a basic dish; it was a reflection of regional culture and tastes.
Pizza Reaches America
Pizza remained primarily in Italy until it was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. New York City, Chicago, and Boston are some of the cities that started experiencing Italian communities opening small pizzerias. Pizza was primarily consumed by Italian immigrants initially. It was not yet a popular food.
In the 20th century, pizza began to become increasingly popular throughout the United States. Soldiers who had experienced pizza in Italy during World War II facilitated the introduction of pizza to the public in America. Before long, pizzerias began to spring up outside of Italian enclaves. Each section of the US created its own type. New York-style pizza was renowned for being oversized and foldable. Chicago created deep-dish pizza, which is thick and stacked with cheese and sauce.
Pizza Arrives in Australia
Pizza was welcomed into Australia in the mid-20th century, when Italian migrants began to settle in urban areas, like Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle. They brought their food culture and recipes with them, and pizza was a new item for Australia. People were accustomed to eating meat pies, fish and chips, and sandwiches.
Australians eventually grew to like pizza. Pizzerias began opening in areas across Australia, and toppings like ham, pineapple, and seafood competitors began to catch on. Pizza is now a staple in the Australian diet. It is eaten in homes, in restaurants, and as takeaway food. Pizza even prompted the development of gourmet and wood-fired pizzas to become mainstream, offering authentic Italian taste with a contemporary twist.
Wood-fired Pizza: A Taste of Tradition
One of the most common methods of cooking pizza today is with a wood-fired oven. This directly comes from Italy and provides pizza with a distinctive flavour and texture. The intense heat rapidly cooks the pizza, producing a crispy crust and fresh, flavourful toppings. Wood-fired pizza is now synonymous with excellence in pizzerias worldwide, including Newcastle and Charlestown.
The wood-fired oven is not only a cooking utensil. It is integral to the pizza experience. Seeing a pizza baking in a red-hot oven and catching whiffs of smoke and fresh ingredients enhances the experience. This old-fashioned technique links contemporary pizza enthusiasts to the history and culture of Naples, even from thousands of miles away.
Modern Pizza Trends
Pizza today still changes. Chefs try out ingredients, flavour combinations, and presentation. Some pizzas incorporate unusual ingredients such as truffle oil, arugula, or buffalo mozzarella. Others cater to dietary needs with gluten-free and vegan options. Despite these developments, the essence of pizza does not change: a tasty combination of bread, sauce, and toppings that unite people.
Pizza is also not just food. It is a social life. Families come to share a pizza, friends congregate over slices, and celebrations are filled with this plain but versatile meal. From a simple flatbread in Naples to a gourmet pie in Newcastle, pizza is a lingua franca of taste and happiness.
Pizza in Newcastle and Charlestown
In Charlestown and Newcastle, pizza has emerged as a gastronomic gem. Local eateries and pizzerias present an interesting blend of original Italian recipes and homegrown innovations. Customers and locals alike indulge in both dining in and takeaways. Wood-fired ovens, local produce, and traditional Italian methods have taken centre stage in the city, and each pizza has a story behind it of love and heritage.
Pizza enthusiasts within this area can indulge in a variety of offerings, ranging from the traditional Margherita to innovative signature pies. Emphasis on quality and preparation has been responsible for the success of local pizza joints. Newcastle and Charlestown have emerged as centres for one to experience true Italian pizza without travelling out of Australia.
The Joy of Eating Pizza
More than filling the belly, consuming pizza is about experiencing taste, texture, and smell. It is a time of sharing with others, whether family or friends. Whether a plain pizza at home or a restaurant gourmet, the pleasure of pizza lies in its capacity to unite people.
Pizza has weathered the centuries because it is both flexible and versatile. It honours tradition but welcomes innovation. From Naples to Newcastle, it has travelled across borders, cultures, and generations. Every bite is a transmission of history, a testimony of human imagination and bonding.
Inforno: Taking Italian Pizza to Newcastle and Charlestown
Inforno’s odyssey started in 2020 when a zealous pizzaiolo realised his dream of having his own restaurant. Each dish served at Inforno is prepared with love and precision. From heirloom recipes to a cosy, welcoming ambience, Inforno promises an unforgettable ride of gastronomic bliss. Don’t just dine; indulge in every moment with us. Book now and let your Italian gastronomic journey begin.
For locations:
Charlestown: 36 Pearson St, Charlestown NSW 2299, info@inforno.com. AU, 02 4961 4031 Hamilton: 79, shop 5-6/81 Beaumont St, Hamilton NSW 2303, Australia, info@inforno.com.au, 02 4961 0079
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