Pizza Tradition: American vs Italian Styles and Their Evolutions

For many pizza enthusiasts, the age-old debate stands: is American pizza superior to Italian pizza? This question often arises due to cultural and culinary differences. However, it is a complex issue with deep historical roots and varied interpretations of what pizza truly means.

Is American pizza really better?

Short answer: No. The notion that American pizza is superior to Italian pizza is largely a fallacy fueled by cultural preferences and a misunderstanding of the history and evolution of pizza.

While American pizza may excel in terms of speed and quantity, sacrificing quality in the process, Italian pizza remains a symbol of culinary artistry and tradition. Italian pizza adheres to a set of codified rules that have been in place since the 1980s, reflecting the creative traditions of its Neapolitan roots. Conversely, American pizza has always been more experimental and constantly evolving.

Historical Context: The Origins of Pizza

Pizza has its roots in medieval Italy, with variations found in the streets of Naples and Piedmont in the 1800s. However, the style that we now associate with Italy is much more recent. In the late 1800s, a group of Italians began to emigrate to various parts of the world, including Argentina and the United States. They brought with them their unique approach to pizza, and this led to the development of distinct pizza styles, each with its own characteristics and regional influences.

Back in Italy, the pizza landscape was changing dramatically. As the country moved from a predominantly agricultural-based economy to a modern industrialized society, the focus of the pizza industry shifted. The days of simplistic pizzas were gone, replaced by more sophisticated and diverse iterations of the dish. Today, you can find an incredible variety of pizzas in Italy, from simple Margherita to elaborate wood-fired affairs, each reflecting the country's culinary evolution.

Pizza in the United States

Meanwhile, in the United States, pizza evolved in a dramatically different direction. The pizza industry in the US was driven by the twin forces of demand from a growing middle class and the need for speed and quantity. The Chicago deep dish pizza and New York-style slices are prime examples of this evolution. They prioritize quantity and speed over quality, leading to a proliferation of chains like Domino's, which, while popular, do not meet the standards set by traditional European pizza makers.

Illusion of American Pizza

Another myth perpetuated by some is that there is such a thing as "American" pizza. This is a misleading assumption. Just as there is no single "Italian" pizza, there is also no single "American" pizza. Instead, there are numerous regional variations, each with its own unique characteristics. From the New York slice to the Chicago deep dish, each style has its own fans and supporters.

The idea of a single "correct" pizza, whether labeled "American" or "Italian," is as absurd as suggesting that a specific type of pizza should be the global standard. Pizza is a globally beloved food with a rich cultural heritage that changes and evolves with each region that adopts it as its own.

Conclusion

While there is no doubt that American pizza has made significant contributions to the global pizza landscape, suggesting that it is superior to Italian pizza is a misconception rooted in cultural bias and misunderstanding. Both styles have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the true beauty of pizza lies in its versatility and the variety it offers.

So, next time you visit a pizza joint, whether it's a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria or a modern American chain, embrace the opportunity to try different styles and enjoy the rich and diverse world of pizza.

References

Pizza Traditions

The pizza traditions established in Naples in the 1980s were meant to codify the rustic, simple nature of Neapolitan pizza, ensuring that the art and spirit of pizza making remained preserved.

Migration

The mass migration of Italians to the US in the late 1800s brought with it the beginnings of what we now call "American" pizza, which evolved to suit the tastes and needs of a growing, diverse population.

Simplicity in Pizza

The genius of Italian pizza lies in its simplicity. A well-made Margherita pizza, with its mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is a masterpiece of minimalism, one where less truly is more.

Domino's Pizza

Domino's is often cited as a representative of American pizza, known for its fast and standardized approach. While it may be popular in the US, its approach contradicts the artisanal and traditional methods prized in Italy.