Why pineapple?
Few toppings divide people like pineapple. The reason people do like it is simple: the sweet, juicy fruit is a refreshing change from the usual savoury toppings, and it goes well with salty meat such as ham and bacon.
Who first put pineapple on pizza?
The best-known story takes us to Canada. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian cook, emigrated from Greece to Canada in 1954 and opened a restaurant in Ontario, the Satellite. He first served classic diner food such as burgers and pancakes.
In 1962 he put pizza on the menu, at a time when it was still fairly unknown in Canada. One day he tried canned pineapple on a pizza.
“We just did it for fun, to see how it tasted. We were new to the business and experimented a lot.”
Sam Panopoulos, to the BBC
He and his brothers liked the contrast between the sweet pineapple and the salty ham, and so did their guests. They called it the Hawaiian, after Hawaii, where the canned pineapple came from.
Whether he really was the first, nobody knows for sure. But pineapple is now a popular topping all over the world.
Which pineapple toppings can I try?
- Pineapple and ham
- The classic. Salty, savoury ham with sweet, slightly sour pineapple.
- Pineapple and bacon
- Bacon adds a saltier, smokier flavour that goes well with the sweet fruit.
- Pineapple and chicken
- A lighter choice. Try it with a little chilli.
- Pineapple and shrimp
- Shrimp is a little sweet on its own, which makes a mild, fruity pizza.
So: pineapple on pizza or not?
That is up to you. If you like a sweet and salty contrast, give it a try.