Pineapple Pizza: A Hot Debate in Italy’s Culinary Scene

The pineapple pizza, although originally Italian, has sparked recent controversy in the country, raising debates on its legitimacy.

In 2024, Gino Sorbillo, a local pizza chef in Italy, brought the “Margherita con Ananas” (pineapple) pizza to the attention of the nation, introducing it on the menu at dei Tribunali, a renowned pizza street, reported CNN. Sorbillo aimed to challenge the negative perception of disputed ingredients by incorporating pineapple, often criticized, onto a Neapolitan pizza to make it palatable.

His unique approach involves prebaking the pineapple, then adding smoked provola, a Campania cow milk cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil before placing it in a woodfired oven. Despite its price at $7.70 (Rs 83), Sorbillo claims it’s “really tasty.”

However, opinions in Italy about the pineapple pizza are polarized. While some praise its uniqueness, others remain skeptical and haven’t fully embraced this variety.

Sorbillo noted, “Italy is split in half about it. And not just Italy. There’s a load of arguments that have opened up about it. I think people in general are not curious. They are mistrustful of anything different.”

Local food journalist Barbara Politi shared a positive review, likening the taste of the pineapple pizza to “a bit like Sushi.” Sorbillo expressed disappointment at how people often condemn new ingredients without trying them, influenced by others’ opinions.