Every pizza lover knows that the quintessential slice of pizza comes in a round pie. The perfect balance of crust, sauce, and toppings wrapped up in a circular package.
But have you ever stopped to think about why pizza is traditionally round in the first place? There are interesting reasons behind the circular shape of pizza that goes beyond just tradition.
In this post, we will find the answer to the question of why is pizza round that we have all come to love and expect.
Brief Overview Of Pizza
Pizza is widely recognized as a culinary symbol of Italy. Originally a staple food for the poor in Naples, pizza was a flatbread garnished with whatever ingredients were available, often just olive oil and native herbs.
The modern version of pizza, adorned with tomatoes and cheese, emerged in the late 18th century. However, Queen Margherita preferred a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil (resembling the colors of the Italian flag), which elevated pizza’s status from street food to a beloved national dish.
Pizza’s popularity surged post World War II, as soldiers returning from Europe developed a taste for this flavorful dish, with the advent of pizzerias and pizza chains across the United States and ultimately globally.
Why Is Pizza Round?
Let’s delve into the intriguing question of why is pizza round and uncover the four key reasons behind this culinary tradition.
1. Even Cooking
The primary reason for pizza being round is the even cooking that this shape allows.
When pizza is circular, the heat in the oven is distributed evenly across the dough. This results in a consistent texture and taste, with no undercooked or overcooked sections.
The uniformity produces the perfect combination of a crispy crust, melted cheese, and well-cooked toppings.
2. Easy Cutting
A round pizza is also easier to cut into even slices. With a single cut from the center to the edge, the pizza can be divided into equal parts.
This would be much more challenging with a square or rectangular pizza, where achieving evenly sized slices requires more precision and effort.
3. Stretching The Dough
The third reason why pizza is round lies in the art of stretching the dough.
In the traditional method of pizza-making, the dough is hand-stretched and tossed. This process naturally leads to a circular shape because of the way the dough expands outward from the center as it’s being stretched.
Moreover, tossing the dough in the air in a spinning motion further solidifies this round form. This method of dough preparation has been passed down through generations, reinforcing the traditional round shape of pizza.
4. Every Portion Gets Crust and Topping
Lastly, the round pizza shape ensures that every slice has an equal amount of crust and topping. The radial symmetry of a circle means that each slice will have a portion of the outer crust, the inner topping-laden area, and a perfect balance of the two in the middle.
Whether you favor the edge or the center, each slice gives you a taste of every component. This ensures a consistent taste and texture in every bite, enhancing the overall pizza experience.
5. Pizza With a Round Shape Is Iconic
Conjure up an image of a classic pizza, and what shape instantly springs to mind? That’s right – round!
There’s a reason why the round shape of pizza is iconic. It’s not just an arbitrary design choice, but a reflection of deep-rooted tradition.
The round shape of pizza finds its roots in Napoli, Italy, the birthplace of this globally beloved dish. Here, the Neapolitan pizza has to play by certain rules to be recognized as authentic.
Intriguingly, one of these rules is its round shape, underscoring its significance. To this day, this rule is enforced, reflecting the importance of the pizza’s iconic circular form.
So, remember, every time you feast on a round pizza, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal. You’re partaking in a universally acknowledged tradition that’s as enticing as the pizza itself.
Who Invented Round Pizza?
The characteristic round shape of pizza was more a result of the dough-tossing method employed by Neapolitan bakers. This method of preparation, which naturally resulted in a round shape, quickly became the standard due to the even cooking and ease of slicing it provided.
Therefore, while we can’t credit a specific person, we can acknowledge the collective tradition of Neapolitan bakers as the inventors of the round pizza we know and love today.
Why Are Round Pizza Boxes Square?
We’ve discovered the answer to the question of why is pizza round. Have you ever wondered, if pizza is round, why is it packaged in a square box instead of a round one?
If so, check out some reasonable explanations below:
1. Ease of assembly: Square boxes are easy to assemble and fold. They come as flat, pre-scored sheets that can be quickly folded into a box.
2. Storage and transportation: Flat-packed square boxes are easier to store and transport than round boxes. They can be stacked neatly, taking up less space in delivery vehicles and storage rooms.
3. Cost-effective: Square boxes are cheaper to produce. They are cut from a single sheet of cardboard with minimal waste, whereas round boxes would result in more wastage.
4. Stability: Square boxes are sturdier and don’t tip over as easily. Their flat sides and corners provide better stability during transportation.
5. Space for branding: The large, flat sides of a square box provide ample space for branding, logos, and other information. This wouldn’t be as easy to accomplish on a round box.
Why Is Pizza Cut Into Triangles?
The primary reason why pizza is cut into triangles is because of the round shape of the pizza.
With a single cut from the center to the edge, you can divide the pizza into equal parts. These cuts, when done successively across the pizza, create triangular slices.
The pizza is cut this way not only for convenience but also to ensure that each slice has the perfect balance of crust and toppings. An evenly cut slice provides a mix of the crispy crust, cheese, and toppings, which contributes to the overall appeal of the pizza.
Additionally, the triangular shape makes it easier to hold and eat the slice, with the crust serving as a convenient handle.
However, not all pizzas follow the standard triangle slice routine. In places like the Midwestern United States, you’ll find pizzas like the famous Chicago thin crust pizza cut into perfect squares – a method often referred to as ‘party-style’.
Why squares, you ask? Well, it’s all down to practicality and a love for toppings!
The square cut gives you toppings from edge to edge, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as the last. Plus, it makes it easier to handle and share larger pizzas.
Like a huge birthday cake, pizza squares ensure everyone gets a fair, crust-less piece, reducing waste from those who usually discard their crusts.
Other Shapes Of Pizza
While the round pizza is the most common, pizzas do come in other shapes as well.
1. Square and Rectangular Pizza
Square or rectangular pizzas are quite popular, especially for Sicilian and Detroit-style pizzas. The deep-dish nature of these pizzas caused them to be baked in rectangular pans, leading to their distinct shape.
This shape allows the pizza to have a thicker, doughier base. However, achieving even cooking and balanced topping distribution can be a challenge compared to round pizzas.
2. Oval
Some gourmet pizzerias serve pizzas in an oval shape, particularly when baking thin crust pizzas like the classic Italian ‘pizza bianca’. While it doesn’t conform to the traditional round shape, the oval shape still allows for even cooking and easy cutting into slices.
3. Heart-Shaped Pizza
Heart-shaped pizzas are usually offered as limited-time specials by pizzerias, particularly around Valentine’s Day. The shape doesn’t affect the taste or cooking process, but it does add a unique, festive touch.
4. Triangle
A single slice of round pizza can also be considered a ‘shape’ of pizza, especially when sold individually. The triangular shape, a direct result of cutting a round pizza, provides a perfect balance of crust, cheese, and toppings in each bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we know why is pizza round, we can truly appreciate this timeless dish that brings people together from all corners of the world.
So next time you take a bite of your favorite slice, remember the thoughtfulness behind its shape and how it contributes to your overall pizza experience. And now, why not try making your own perfectly round pizza at home? Happy cooking!