Nahm’sayin?

So What if I Want Pineapple on my Pizza?

Graphic: Jennifer Aedy

We thrive off balance.

Between work and play, light and dark, vibrant and dull. How can we appreciate one without the other? The absence of one end of the spectrum would lessen the impact of the other.

So why does my request for pineapple on my pizza always inspire a communal groan and a series of raised eyebrows? It’s not just a topping preference—it’s a matter of finding balance.

Sweet and salty is without a doubt a popular flavour profile, from chocolate-covered pretzels to ice cream and french fries to mango salsa. SALTED CARAMEL. Pineapple pizza is no different.

The sweet—and definitely not fresh—pineapple chunks provide the perfect difference in texture and flavour to the salty, stringy cheese and savoury sauce. You’re really just getting the best of both worlds. The contrast makes complete sense, so why is everyone so hesitant to try it?

I know it’s not traditional and I’m not arguing that pineapple pizza is the holy grail of pizza pies. But why should that stop us from expanding our taste horizons? Why do we draw the line at making donuts with bacon? Hawaiian pizza has been around since the 1960’s! If adding the prickly tropical fruit is such a bad idea, then don’t you think it would have died out over the last 50 years?

It doesn’t have to be your favourite thing, just as I’m apathetic about the addition of green peppers. But don’t be so quick to dismiss it.

Trust me, it makes sense.