No, pizza did not originate from China. The history of pizza is firmly rooted in Italy, particularly in the city of Naples. However, there is an interesting connection to China through a similar dish called “bing,” which has led to some speculation about the origins of pizza. Let’s delve into the details to clarify this point.
The Italian Origins of Pizza
The concept of pizza dates back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks and Egyptians baked flatbreads topped with herbs and oils. However, the pizza we recognize today has its roots in Italy, specifically in the Naples region during the 18th century.
In Naples, the working class needed affordable, quick, and easy-to-eat meals. These early pizzas were simple flatbreads, topped with readily available ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic. These ingredients were placed on a dough base and baked in wood-fired ovens, creating a delicious and practical food option for the masses.
The Birth of the Modern Pizza
The true transformation of pizza began in the late 1800s. Tomatoes, which were brought to Europe from the Americas, were initially thought to be poisonous. However, by the 18th century, they had become a staple in Neapolitan cuisine. The addition of tomatoes to flatbread was a revolutionary moment in pizza history.
In 1889, a significant milestone in pizza’s history occurred. King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples. The royal couple wanted to sample local cuisine, so they called upon Raffaele Esposito, a renowned pizzaiolo (pizza maker). Esposito crafted three different pizzas, one of which was topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza delighted the queen, and it was named “Pizza Margherita” in her honor. This moment is often celebrated as the birth of the modern pizza.
Pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was initially a dish for the poor, sold on the streets and not considered high-class food. The classic Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its thin crust and simple toppings of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was created in Naples. The story of the Margherita pizza, made to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889, is a significant part of this history.
Evolution Over Time
Over the centuries, pizza has evolved, incorporating various ingredients and styles. The core concept of a flatbread with toppings is ancient and was common in many cultures, but the specific form of pizza we recognize today is distinctly Italian.
See Also: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Experience at Napoli Pizza
The Chinese Connection
We have talked about the origin of pizza many times, so now let’s explore similar traditional food in China.
Marco Polo and the Legend of Bing
There is a legend involving Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer who traveled to China in the 13th century. According to this legend, Marco Polo encountered a dish called “bing,” a type of flatbread popular in China. When he returned to Italy, he supposedly shared this concept, which eventually influenced the development of pizza. However, this story is more folklore than historical fact.
Exploring Chinese “Bing”
While pizza has its origins in Italy, Chinese cuisine has a rich tradition of flatbreads and similar foods known collectively as “bing.” Bing is indeed a traditional Chinese flatbread, and while it shares some similarities with pizza, it is not the same dish. Bing can be savory or sweet and comes in various forms, such as jianbing (a type of crepe) and cong you bing (scallion pancake). These flatbreads have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. These dishes have been a staple in Chinese culture for centuries and come in various forms, each with unique preparation methods and ingredients. Let’s delve into three popular types of “bing” and explore their characteristics in detail.
1. Jianbing (煎饼)
Jianbing is one of the most popular street foods in China, particularly in northern cities like Beijing and Tianjin. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast item and is known for its crispy texture and savory fillings.
Ingredients and Preparation
Batter: The batter is typically made from a mixture of wheat flour, mung bean flour, and water. Some variations include other grains or legumes.
Cooking Process: The batter is spread thinly on a hot, circular griddle. As it cooks, an egg is cracked and spread over the top, creating a thin layer of egg on one side of the crepe.
Fillings: Common fillings include hoisin sauce, fermented bean paste, scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton crackers (baocui). Other ingredients like lettuce, sausages, and pickles can be added.
Folding: Once the fillings are added, the crepe is folded several times into a manageable shape, typically a rectangle or square.
Taste and Texture
Jianbing is known for its combination of textures: the crispy exterior, the chewy inner layers, and the fresh, crunchy vegetables. The flavors are a balanced mix of savory, slightly sweet, and umami from the sauces.
2. Cong You Bing (葱油饼)
Cong you bing, also known as scallion pancake, is another popular type of “bing.” It is a savory, unleavened flatbread made with dough rather than batter. Cong you bing is beloved for its flaky layers and the aromatic flavor of scallions.
Ingredients and Preparation
Dough: The dough is made from wheat flour, water, and salt. After mixing, it is kneaded until smooth and allowed to rest.
Scallions: Chopped scallions are a key ingredient, providing a distinctive aroma and flavor.
Rolling and Layering: The dough is rolled out thinly, brushed with oil, and sprinkled with scallions. It is then rolled up like a jelly roll and coiled into a spiral. The spiral is flattened and rolled out again before cooking.
Cooking: The pancakes are pan-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Taste and Texture
Cong you bing has a flaky, crispy exterior with tender layers inside. The scallions provide a fresh, slightly sharp taste that complements the rich, oily dough.
3. Shaobing (烧饼)
Shaobing is a type of baked, layered flatbread often found in northern China. It can be either sweet or savory and is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast food or snack.
Ingredients and Preparation
Dough: The dough is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and a bit of sugar.
Filling Options: Savory shaobing might be filled with ingredients like minced pork, sesame paste, or red bean paste for sweet versions.
Layering and Baking: The dough is rolled out and brushed with oil or lard, then rolled up and coiled into a spiral. This process is repeated to create multiple layers. The spirals are flattened and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking.
Cooking: Shaobing is baked in an oven until the layers separate slightly and the exterior becomes crisp and golden.
Taste and Texture
Shaobing is known for its crispy, flaky exterior and the layered, slightly chewy interior. The filling adds an extra dimension of flavor, whether it’s the savory taste of meat or the sweetness of red bean paste.
Conclusion
While the idea of flatbreads topped with various ingredients is ancient and cross-cultural, pizza as we know it today is Italian. The Neapolitans were the first to add tomatoes to their flatbreads, which was a significant development in pizza’s history. The story of Marco Polo bringing the idea of pizza from China is a charming tale, but it lacks historical evidence.
FAQs
Did Marco Polo bring pizza from China to Italy?
The story of Marco Polo bringing pizza from China is more legend than fact. While he did travel to China and encountered various foods, there is no solid evidence that he brought back the concept of pizza.
What is the main difference between Italian pizza and Chinese bing?
Italian pizza typically features a thin crust with toppings like tomatoes, cheese, and basil, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Chinese bing is a versatile flatbread that can be savory or sweet and comes in various forms, such as scallion pancakes or stuffed flatbreads.
Where did the modern pizza originate?
Modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The creation of the Margherita pizza in 1889 is a significant milestone in its history.