One of the many reasons why pizza has been a wildly popular dish ever since its invention is that it’s versatile. People make it in various ways, including topping it with pineapple. However, that particular choice has proven to be beloved by some and reviled by others. If you’re curious about how this practice began and why it provokes such strong feelings, consider the guide below. 

What Is the History Behind Pineapple on Pizza? 

Although it’s usually called Hawaiian pizza, the island state isn’t responsible for starting the trend. In 1962, a Greek-Canadian immigrant named Sam Panopoulos set up a restaurant called Satellite in Chatham, Ontario. Because of his passion for experimenting with the sweet, sour, and salty flavors of American and Chinese cuisine, he eventually came up with the idea of using pineapple as a pizza topping. 

Since then, the idea has spread and become popular enough to be regularly featured in pizzerias and frozen food aisles. Nevertheless, it seems to have as many opponents as fans. It became a topic of debate after Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, the president of Iceland, stated that he wanted to ban pineapple as a topping in February 2017. 

Why Is It Controversial? 

Simply put, some people don’t like the touch of sweetness that pineapple adds to an otherwise savory dish. In general, these same people feel that tomatoes are the only fruit with any business being on a pizza because they’re not sweet. Others might not mind the pineapple if it weren’t commonly combined with ham. Those who normally dislike pineapple on pizza sometimes find that they like it when the pineapple is roasted, removing its usual sugary taste and syrupy texture.  

For others, the issue isn’t necessarily the taste so much as the inauthenticity since pineapple isn’t a classic Italian topping. However, fans of pineapple on pizza enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures. To them, the sweetness and saltiness balance each other out and create a uniquely pleasant sensation. 

Either way, many people have no problem revealing their opinions on the matter. Some of pineapple pizza’s more famous supporters include Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, and the current prime minister of the country of its origin, Justin Trudeau. However, other celebrities have revealed their distaste for it, such as Alton Brown and Jimmy Kimmel. Even Gordon Ramsey, respected for his gourmet cooking, asserted, “Pineapple does not go on top of pizza.” 

 
Regardless of its naysayers, pineapple on pizza isn’t going anywhere, so try it at Gondola Pizza and Steak House in Crossville, TN. Renowned for serving delectable Italian and Greek food for more than 40 years, they proudly make Hawaiian pizza in addition to many other exquisite homemade dishes. They’re eager to satisfy your tastes and accept feedback on their art. To find out what’s on their menu, call them today at (931) 484-7647 or visit their website.