Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in the world. But have you ever wondered why we call it a “pie”? After all, it’s not exactly a dessert, nor does it have a flaky crust like a traditional pie. So, where did the name come from?
The answer to this question is surprisingly complex, rooted in both history and linguistics. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the term “pizza pie” and how it came to be one of the most recognizable food names in the world.
The term “pizza” comes from the Italian word “pizzicare,” which means “to pinch or pluck,” and “pie” is derived from the Latin word “pica,” which means “magpie.” The word “pie” was used to describe a mix of ingredients that were baked inside a crust, similar to how a magpie collects a variety of items in its nest. As pizza has a similar appearance to a pie, the term “pizza pie” became popular in America, eventually being shortened to just “pizza.”
Why Are Pizzas Called Pies?
Pizza is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by people all around the world for centuries. The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. While the exact reason why pizzas are called pies remains a mystery, there are several theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon.
The Origin Of The Word “Pie”
The word “pie” has been used to describe a variety of dishes throughout history. In medieval times, pies were often made with meat, vegetables, and fruits, and were typically baked in a crust. The crust was used to preserve the filling and make the dish portable, which made it a popular choice for travelers and soldiers.
The word “pie” is believed to have originated from the Latin word “pica,” which means “magpie.” Magpies were known to collect a variety of items and store them in their nests, much like how pies were made with a variety of ingredients and baked in a crust. Over time, the word “pica” evolved into “pie,” and the dish became known as a pie.
The Evolution Of Pizza
Pizza, on the other hand, has a much more recent history. The modern pizza that we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. The dish was made with a simple flatbread that was topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients. The dish was initially called “pizza pie,” which may have contributed to the use of the word “pie” to describe pizza.
Over time, the dish became more popular and spread to other parts of Italy and eventually to other parts of the world. As the dish evolved, the name “pizza” became more widely used, and the use of the word “pie” to describe pizza became less common.
Pizza Vs. Pie: What’s The Difference?
While pizza and pie may seem like similar dishes, there are some key differences between the two. Pizzas are typically made with a thin crust that is topped with sauce, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients. Pies, on the other hand, are typically made with a thicker crust and are filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and fruit.
Another key difference between pizza and pie is the way that they are served. Pizzas are typically served in slices, while pies are typically served in wedges. Pizzas are also often eaten with the hands, while pies are typically eaten with a fork and knife.
The Benefits Of Eating Pizza
Pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One of the biggest benefits of eating pizza is that it can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or a more adventurous combination of toppings, there is a pizza out there for everyone.
Another benefit of eating pizza is that it can be a relatively healthy option when compared to other fast food options. Many pizza restaurants now offer healthier crust options such as whole wheat or gluten-free, and you can also choose to load up your pizza with healthy toppings such as vegetables and lean proteins.
The Bottom Line
While the exact reason why pizzas are called pies remains a mystery, there are several theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon. Whether you prefer to call it a pizza or a pie, there is no denying that this delicious dish has become a staple in cultures all around the world. So the next time you enjoy a slice of pizza, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pizzas called pies?
One theory is that the word “pie” was used to describe a type of food made with a pastry crust and filling, and this term was later applied to pizzas. Another theory is that the word “pie” comes from the Latin word “pica”, which means magpie. Magpies were known for collecting a variety of items, and pizzas also have a variety of toppings.
Regardless of the origin of the word, pizzas do share some similarities with traditional pies. Both have a crust and a filling, and both can be sweet or savory. In fact, some pizzas, such as dessert pizzas, are more similar to pies than to traditional pizzas.
When did pizzas start being called pies?
The use of the word “pie” to describe pizzas dates back to at least the 16th century in Italy. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that pizzas became popular outside of Italy and the term “pizza pie” started to be used more commonly in the United States.
Today, the term “pizza pie” is less commonly used, and “pizza” is the more popular term. However, in some regions of the United States, such as New York and New Jersey, the term “pie” is still used to refer to pizzas.
Are pizzas really pies?
Pizzas are typically considered to be a type of flatbread, rather than a type of pie. However, as mentioned earlier, there are some similarities between pizzas and traditional pies, such as the presence of a crust and a filling.
Ultimately, whether or not pizzas are considered to be pies depends on how you define the term “pie”. If you define it as a food with a crust and a filling, then pizzas could be considered to be a type of pie. However, if you define it more narrowly as a pastry-based dish with a sweet or savory filling, then pizzas would not be considered to be pies.
What is the difference between a pizza and a pie?
The main difference between a pizza and a pie is the type of crust used. Pizzas typically have a thin, crispy crust, while pies have a thicker, flakier crust. Additionally, pies are typically sweet or savory and have a filling that is baked inside the crust, while pizzas are savory and have toppings that are baked on top of the crust.
Another difference between pizzas and pies is the way they are served. Pizzas are typically cut into slices and served hot, while pies are cut into wedges and can be served hot or cold. Pizzas are also often eaten as a main course, while pies are often eaten as a dessert or a snack.
Why do some people call pizzas “pies”?
There are many reasons why some people call pizzas “pies”. One reason is that the term “pie” was historically used to describe any dish that had a crust and a filling, including savory dishes like meat pies and vegetable pies. Another reason is that the word “pie” is often used in Italian cooking to describe a type of pastry, which could explain why the term has been applied to pizzas.
Additionally, the term “pizza pie” was commonly used in the United States in the early 20th century, when pizzas were first becoming popular. This term stuck in some regions of the country, such as New York and New Jersey, and is still used today by some people as a colloquialism for pizza.
In conclusion, the reason why pizzas are called pies goes back to their origins in Italy. The word “pizza” itself means “pie” in Italian, and the dish was originally made as a savory pie with a variety of toppings. As the dish gained popularity in other parts of the world, the term “pizza pie” became a common way to refer to the dish.
Despite the fact that pizzas are not technically pies in the traditional sense, the term has stuck around and has become a part of the dish’s identity. It’s not uncommon to hear people use the terms interchangeably, and many pizza places still use “pizza pie” in their names or marketing materials.
Regardless of what you call it, there’s no denying that pizza is a beloved and iconic food around the world. From classic margherita pizzas to creative gourmet pies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So the next time you dig into a hot, cheesy slice of pizza, take a moment to appreciate the history and culture behind this delicious dish.
