Thousands of debates and arguments have taken place in the culinary industry, such as ketchup vs. mustard, salt vs. pepper, Coke vs. Pepsi, and so many more. Today I will be discussing a topic that lives in the shadows of these other major debates: does pineapple belong on pizza?

To some people, pineapple on pizza is a blessing. Other people consider it a crime. For quite a few years I have experienced both sides of this argument. For so long I was always on the fence about whether or not I enjoyed having a fruit on my pie.

Throughout the years, I was always a huge fan of plain cheese. I was barely ever exposed to the wonders of toppings on pizza, until about 8th grade year, I became a fan of pepperoni. I sustained eating pepperoni on pizza for about two years. One day during the summer of sophomore year, I attended a party where LaRosa’s was catered.

There was the usual cheese, pepperoni, and sausage pizzas. At the very end of the line, my breath was taken away. I asked one of my friends what those little yellow squares were on the pizza, and he answered with a one word response: “Pineapple!”

My mind was blown. I did not know what to think. Why was one of my favorite fruits baked into only the best of Italian cuisine? I willingly cut a slice and put it on my plate. When I sat down, I just sat there glaring at each and every piece of pineapple.

I grabbed the slice by the crust (then I proceeded to fold it, obviously), and took a bite with a large chunk of pineapple. I was left absolutely speechless. All of my thoughts and opinions about pepperoni being the best pizza were thrown out the window. Right then and there, I knew I was in love. From that moment on, pineapple pizza had, and still has, my heart.

Now it was time to see if I was not alone. I asked my classmates if they agreed with me, and I got a variety of responses. Many people disagreed with a passion. Some people are just as much in love with pineapple pizza as I am. Then there was the group of people who do not know what to think of it. Let’s just say the debate can go either way.

So do I agree with this combo between fruit and pizza? Absolutely.