When we hear the word “pizza”, a mouth-watering image of a delectable round pie often comes to mind. This delicious dish, with its crispy crust, sumptuous sauce, melted cheese, and assorted toppings, has become synonymous with Italian cuisine and is universally loved.
Here at 11 Inch Pizza, nestled in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, we explore the age-old query: why is pizza round?
A Glimpse into History
To understand the round shape of pizza, we need to first venture back to its origins. Pizza has ancient roots, with diverse cultures crafting their interpretations of flatbreads with various toppings.
However, the pizza we recognise today originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. It was customary for bakers to mould dough into a circular shape by hand, making each pizza a round masterpiece. This practice has largely persisted, contributing to the ubiquity of round pizzas.
The Tradition Continues
The most prevalent way to bake pizza is using a round pizza pan, echoing the customary approach adopted by early pizza makers in Naples. These pans are typically designed to distribute heat uniformly, ensuring the pizza is baked to perfection. The continued use of round pans has sustained the tradition of creating round pizzas.
The circular form of a pizza facilitates even baking, helping to avoid undercooked or overcooked sections, leading to a consistently delightful culinary experience.
A round pizza is conducive to uniform slicing, allowing for easy sharing among pizza aficionados.
The circular shape of pizza is not only rooted in tradition but also offers aesthetic and practical benefits. A round pizza creates a visually appealing symmetry, with toppings distributed evenly, tantalising the taste buds before the first bite is even taken. Additionally, the circular shape allows for optimal topping distribution, ensuring every slice is equally flavourful.
Divergent Shapes
While the circular form is widely acknowledged, pizza does come in other shapes. Rectangular or square pizzas, known as “Sicilian pizza” in the United States, are equally popular. In these variants, the dough is typically spread in a rectangular tray, yielding a thicker crust and a different, yet equally delightful, texture and taste. However, the enduring appeal of round pizzas remains a testament to the allure of tradition and the culinary benefits of this shape.
Enduring Culinary Excellence
In the bustling lanes of Melbourne, Australia, 11 Inch Pizza celebrates the time-honoured tradition of serving exquisite round pizzas, paying homage to the rich history and culinary artistry of this beloved dish. The round shape, a delightful blend of aesthetic appeal, practical benefits, and historical reverence, elevates the pizza-eating experience, making it a universal favourite.
In the ever-evolving culinary landscape, the round shape of pizza stands as a symbol of enduring tradition and culinary excellence. The perfectly circular symphony of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings continues to captivate the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world, making the mystery behind why pizza is round as fascinating as the dish is delicious.
Whether you prefer the classic Margherita or venture into gourmet creations, 11 Inch Pizza welcomes all to relish the enchanting experience of savouring an authentic round pizza. Order your round pizza online now.
