Pizza is a beloved food that has been enjoyed for centuries. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “pizza pie”? It’s not actually a pie, is it? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the term “pizza pie” and uncover the surprising history behind it.
Despite its Italian roots, the term “pizza pie” has American origins. It’s believed that the term was first used in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants living in New York City. These immigrants would make their traditional, round pizzas and serve them in large, pie-like slices, leading to the common nickname of “pizza pie”. But there’s more to the story than just the shape of the pizza. Let’s dive deeper into the fascinating history of this beloved dish.
Pizza is called pie because it resembles a pie. The word “pie” comes from the Latin word “pica,” which means “magpie.” Magpies are known for collecting a variety of things, and the word “pie” was used to describe a dish that was made up of a variety of ingredients. Pizza, like a pie, has a crust, a filling, and is sliced into wedges, hence the name “pizza pie.”
Why Is Pizza Called Pie?
If you’ve ever ordered a pizza from your favorite pizzeria or made one at home, you might have wondered why it’s called a “pie.” After all, it’s not a dessert, and it doesn’t really resemble a traditional pie. So, why is pizza called pie? Here are some reasons behind the name.
Historical Origin of Pizza as Pie
Pizza has been around for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt, and Rome. In fact, the ancient Romans created a dish called “picea,” which was a flatbread topped with cheese, herbs, and other ingredients. Over time, this dish evolved into the pizza that we know and love today.
One theory behind why pizza is called a “pie” is that it’s because of its shape. Just like a pie, pizza has a round shape with a crust around the edge. When you slice a pizza, it’s even cut into slices like a pie. Additionally, the toppings on a pizza can often resemble the fillings of a pie.
Another theory is that the term “pie” was used to describe any dish that had a layer of ingredients placed on top of a dough base. This would include quiches, tarts, and other savory dishes that were popular in Europe in the Middle Ages.
The Benefits of Calling Pizza “Pie”
While the name “pizza” might seem more straightforward and descriptive, calling it a “pie” has its benefits. For one, it makes it easier to describe the dish to people who might not be familiar with it. If you say “pizza,” someone might not immediately know what you’re talking about. But if you say “pie,” they’ll likely have a better idea of what the dish looks like.
Additionally, calling pizza a “pie” gives it a more comforting and homey feel. Pies are often associated with family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. By calling pizza a “pie,” it helps to create a sense of community and tradition around the dish.
Pizza vs. Pie: What’s the Difference?
While pizza and pie might share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two. For one, pizza is typically savory and often includes ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables. Pies, on the other hand, can be either sweet or savory and include fillings like fruit, custards, and savory meats.
Additionally, the crusts on pizza and pie are different. Pizza crust is typically thin and crispy, while pie crust is flaky and buttery. Finally, the toppings on pizza are usually spread out evenly across the surface, while the fillings in a pie are often stacked on top of one another.
In conclusion, the name “pie” for pizza might seem a bit strange at first, but it has a rich history and makes sense when you consider the dish’s shape and toppings. Whether you call it a pie or a pizza, one thing is for sure: it’s a delicious dish that has become a staple in many cultures around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about why pizza is called pie.
What is the Origin of the Term “Pizza Pie”?
The term “pizza pie” is an American term that originated in the early 1900s. Immigrants from Italy brought pizza to America, and it quickly became a popular food. However, Americans were not familiar with the term “pizza” and instead referred to it as “pizza pie” because of its round shape and similarity to pies.
Eventually, the term “pizza” became more widely known and used, but the term “pizza pie” is still used in some regions of the United States.
Why is Pizza Called a Pie?
Pizza is called a pie because of its round shape and the fact that it is typically served in slices, similar to a pie. In addition, pizza is often made with a dough crust and topped with sauce, cheese, and various toppings, which gives it a pie-like appearance.
The term “pie” is also used to describe other foods that are baked in a crust, such as fruit pies and quiches. Therefore, calling pizza a pie is a way to describe its appearance and cooking method.
Is Pizza Considered a Pie or a Sandwich?
The debate over whether pizza is a pie or a sandwich has been going on for many years. While some people believe that pizza is a type of sandwich because it is made with bread and filling, most people consider it to be a type of pie because of its round shape and crust.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has classified pizza as a type of pie, which means that it is subject to the same regulations as other pies.
Why is Pizza Called a Tomato Pie in Some Places?
In some regions of the United States, pizza is referred to as a “tomato pie.” This term originated in the Northeastern United States, particularly in areas with large Italian populations.
The term “tomato pie” is used to describe a specific type of pizza that is made with a thick, chewy crust, and topped with a tomato-based sauce and cheese. This type of pizza is popular in places like New York and New Jersey, where it is often sold by the slice.
What is the Origin of the Word “Pizza”?
The word “pizza” comes from the Italian word “pizzicare,” which means “to pinch” or “to pluck.” The term was first used to describe a type of focaccia bread that was served in Italy.
Over time, the bread was topped with various ingredients, including tomatoes, cheese, and herbs, and eventually became the pizza that we know today. The word “pizza” is now used worldwide to describe this popular food.
In conclusion, the origins of why pizza is called pie are fascinating and have a rich history. The similarities between the pizza and pie shape and the use of the term “pie” to describe baked goods make it easy to see how the name came to be. However, the true story lies in the immigration of Italian immigrants to America and their influence on American cuisine.
As pizza became more popular in the United States, it was referred to as “pizza pie” to distinguish it from other types of pie. This name stuck and has been used ever since. Today, pizza is enjoyed all over the world and has become a staple in many countries’ diets.
Overall, the story of why pizza is called pie is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the impact that immigrants have had on American cuisine. It is a reminder that the foods we enjoy are often the result of a complex and fascinating history that is worth exploring. So the next time you bite into a slice of pizza, take a moment to appreciate the unique story behind its name.
