Pizza is undeniably one of the most versatile and beloved foods in the world.
With so many styles and topping options available, it’s no wonder that it remains a popular choice for many people.
However, whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza is one of the most hotly debated topics in food history, and has caused a great divide among pizza lovers for over 60 years.
Hence, understanding how pineapples became pizza toppings and whether they belong to pizzas is important.
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The story behind Pineapple Pizza
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The story is about a Greek immigrant named Panopoulos who owned a restaurant with his brothers in Ontario, Canada.
After a trip to Naples, Panopoulos decided to add pizza to their menu.
Initially, the toppings were basic, such as mushrooms, bacon, and pepperoni.
However, Panopoulos later added canned pineapple to one pizza with ham, which proved to be a hit with his customers.
This happened during the growing fascination with Tiki culture, and canned pineapples were imported into North America, along with pineapple juice.
The brand of tinned pineapple was called Hawaiian, and Panopoulos named his invention in its honor.
Thus, Hawaiian pizza was born, and pineapple remains a controversial topping today.
Pineapple on pizza debate
Why Pineapple Belongs on Pizza
Flavor
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In contrast to savory and salty pizza toppings such as bacon or ham, pineapple’s sweetness provides a delicious and unique contrast.
Nutritional Value
In addition to being nutritious, pineapple is also a fruit that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Adding pineapple to pizza makes it a healthier meal and increases its nutritional value.
Variety
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences.
In fact, there are some toppings that pair well with pineapple on pizza.
Adding pineapple to pizza offers a refreshing change from the classic pepperoni and sausage toppings that have been popular for decades.
You can create a world of new and exciting pizza toppings by incorporating pineapple into the mix.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of personal taste. Some people enjoy the sweet and savory combination, while others do not.
Adding pineapple to pizza allows for more options and customization, catering to a wider range of preferences.
Why pineapple does not belong on pizza
The 10 reasons why some people believe that pineapple does not belong on pizza include:
- It is not a traditional pizza topping except for tomatoes.
- Pineapples are too sweet and do not mix well with other flavors on the pizza.
- The food pairing method suggests that sweet pineapples and salty pizzas do not pair well.
- Pineapples do not mix well with tomatoes, and they can lead to an upset stomach.
- Pineapple does not pair well with cheese, as it overpowers the mild flavor of mozzarella cheese.
- Pineapples are too sweet for pizza and are better suited to be eaten alone.
- Pineapples can make the crust soggy by adding moisture to the pizza.
- Pineapples have a lot of sugar, which is unhealthy when combined with the carbs and calories from the pizza.
- Pineapples do not store well as a leftover pizza topping.
- Even experts like Chef Gordon Ramsay and Chef Bobby Flay do not believe that pineapple belongs on pizza.
Final Thoughts
We’ve presented the main reasons why some people believe that pineapple on pizza is a good idea, and why others think it’s not.
However, the final decision on whether or not to put pineapple on pizza is a matter of personal preference.
What do you think of it? Please leave your comment below.
