Contrary to popular belief, pepperoni was not invented in Italy. It was actually created by Italian immigrants in New York City in the early 1900s. No wonder it’s America’s most popular pizza topping! Believe it or not, pepperoni is the Italian word for bell pepper, so keep that in mind if you’re considering ordering a pepperoni pizza in Italy (although, if you’re in a popular tourist definition, such as Rome, they will most likely know what you want).
The history of pepperoni, just like the history of pizza, is a fascinating web of corporate espionage, betrayal, political drama, failure, and redemption. Nah, we’re just kidding, but it’s still pretty interesting! Read on if you would like to learn more about this iconic spicy salami.
Most pepperonis are made from a mixture of beef and pork. However, they were made from pork initially, but food enthusiasts are also experimenting with other meats like turkey. The cuts used to make pork-only pepperonis are the shoulder and belly, which have high-fat content.
The Secret Origin of Pepperoni…
We weren’t lying when we said pepperoni was invented in the United States. However, it was invented by Italian-Americans, and you can actually trace its lineage all the way back to the early days of the Roman Empire!
People have been drying and smoking meats for centuries, even long before the era of the Roman Empire. Still, it was the ancient Romans who pioneered the curing process (using salt and other spices as curing agents to keep meat fresh for long periods of time). This allowed them to stockpile meat instead of having to rely upon what they could catch every single day.
This preservation method led to the creation of sausage, including some spicy sausages that were bright red in color. Sausage became a staple food across much of Europe and eventually made its way into the American diet as well. You see, pepperoni was an attempt to emulate Italian sausage and salami using ingredients available in the States.
The first recorded mention of pepperoni occurred in 1919 in New York City. The topping began to appear in several Italian delis and pizzerias across Lower Manhattan. At the time, people considered pepperoni as an ethnic Italian dish. It wasn’t until the 1950s, the commercialization of gas pizza ovens, and the aftermath of World War II that both pizza and pepperoni became a cultural touchstone.
How It’s Made Pepperoni
FAQ
What kind of meat is pepperoni made from?
Does pizza Hut use pork or beef pepperoni?
Is pepperoni made from sheep?
Can Muslims eat pepperoni?