By Charlie Cole | LTVN Sports Reporter
The idea of pineapple as a pizza topping is a long-standing and controversial debate that we may never come to a general consensus on. However, I’ll try to clear the air and declare once and for all that pineapple does indeed belong on pizza.
Not only is pineapple acceptable on pizza, it is actually my favorite pizza topping. To me, it is almost impossible to beat a nice Hawaiian slice. It is the perfect mix of salty and sweet, and doesn’t lose that iconic pizza flavor. The pineapple, obviously the superstar of the pie, brings the perfect addition of sweetness, juiciness, freshness and the perfect satisfying crunch to top off the bite.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. The pineapple and pizza pairing is actually backed by science as well.
Terry Miesle, a flavor chemist from FONA International, said that the different acids in pineapple and tomato combine to make a unique flavor profile. The lactic acids in the tomato contrast with the citric acids in the pineapple to create a blend of sweet, salty and savory flavors.
Along with this, the ingredients of a Hawaiian pizza – tomato, cheese, ham and pineapple – are all foods that caramelize when cooked, helping to bring all those flavors together. Pineapple is also one of few fruits that holds up well when being heated.
The controversial dish actually was first created in 1962, by a Greek immigrant living in Canada. He had previously been experimenting with Americanized versions of Chinese dishes, such as sweet and sour chicken, and decided to take a chance on a new style of pizza. It was fittingly dubbed “Hawaiian” because of the growing infatuation with Hawaiian culture and lifestyle at the time, just three years after the state was admitted into the U.S.
Naturally, pineapple saw a spike in interest along with this Hawaiian craze.
Today, around 50% of Americans enjoy pineapple on their pizza, according to surveys conducted by Adobe Sign and Slice. In a different study in 2022, Slice found that pineapple on pizza actually had been ordered 76% more in the previous calendar year, and Hawaiian was the most popular pizza ordered in four different states.
Like I said before, I absolutely love pineapple on my pizza. I will admit, this probably has a lot to do with my general love for pineapple. It really just boils down to the age-old combination of sweet and salty coming together for the perfect bite.
For the same reason, I love a good pepperoni and hot honey slice. I really think we need to be more adventurous and creative with our pizzas, specifically venturing into the sweet and spicy flavor profiles. Having fun with your food is so important, and in my opinion, can significantly elevate your dining experience.
If you ever find yourself in Plano, just north of Dallas, I recommend checking out Texapolitan Pizza. They have lots of fun and unique pizzas, and they tend to be very tasty in my experience.
Not only does pineapple deserve a place among pizza toppings, I think it should be the star player and first pick every time. Pro tip from a pineapple lover: add some crispy bacon and jalapeños to a Hawaiian slice to really take it to the next level.
