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Writer's pictureWalter Ferrari

Why are pizzas round ?

Updated: Apr 17, 2023


 

Why are pizzas round ? This question shows a million results on the internet. As a matter of fact, the pizza, whichever country, unleashes passions. Thick or thin dough, eaten folded or as whole, square or round,... It evens seems that its shape has an influence on its taste.

Pâte pizza ronde

The word "pizza" would have been first encountered in the year of 997 in Gaeta and then in Italie. In 1984, the Association For A Real Neapolitan Pizza established precise rules to define it : it should not exceed 34 centimeters in diameter, meaning that a "real" pizza is round. If you want to know more about the history of the pizza, at Chez Mario, you can check out our article on the subject.


Pizza is round for many reasons. On the one hand, a circle is easy to divide and therefore to share equally. On the other hand, a round pizza is easier to make. In fact, the pizzaïolo, to make his pizza, first flattens a ball, which becomes round, then he rotates it on his fists and between his hands. Thanks to this gesture, the dough stretches and takes the desired shape. Finally, during cooking, this shapes allows it to receive heat in a uniform and therefore balanced way.



Why do round pizzas have square boxes ?


Round pizzas have square boxes and it makes sense. It seems reasonable to think that if pizzas had another shape, they would probably still have a square box.

Pizza ronde boîte carré

First of all, a square box is easier to produce than a round one. Usually, they bend to gain in practicity and in place. A round shape would be inconvenient in this sense. Furthermore, a square box saves time in the kitchen. In fact, if the square is wide, the pizza is easily placed in the box. This advantage counts as well for the tasting. A slice of pizza will be easier to grab thanks to the flared corners of the square box. It is also more practical to transport : it has more attachment points and it is less likely to move in the delivery man top box.



Are all pizzas round ?


Not all pizzas are round.

Actually, in Rome for example, it is not that uncommon to come across square pizzas. This is the case of Foccacia, a symbol of the Italian cuisine. The Calzone is also a well-known example of a pizza that is not round. It is, in fact, a folded pizza that would have the shape of the Argentinian empanadas. This pizza can have all the ingredients of a classic pizza. Finally, the Stromboli pizza looks like a braided bread and has a longer shape. Its ingredients are varied, but its composition is often based on mozzarella. Nowadays, pizza is probably one of the most famous dishes of humanity and continues to evolve always being appreciated.


 

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