Discover the history of Margherita pizza

Margherita pizza is much more than a simple dish: it represents a symbol of Italian gastronomic culture and a fundamental piece of Neapolitan culinary history. Its creation, which occurred at the end of the 19th century, is immersed in an aura of legend and tradition, which continues to capture the imagination of gourmets and travelers around the world. In this article, we aim to guide you through a fascinating journey to discover the origins and evolution of the Margherita pizza, revealing the secrets that lie behind this iconic dish.

We will begin by exploring the origins of pizza, a food that has ancient roots and which has undergone many transformations over the centuries. We will then discover the art of Neapolitan pizza, a heritage recognized and preserved by generations of pizza chefs, who have refined techniques and recipes handed down from father to son. The history of the Margherita pizza is inextricably linked to the figure of Margherita of Savoy, whose legend and the symbolic meaning of the pizza dedicated to her we will tell.

Through the following points, we will delve into the original ingredients that make the Margherita pizza one of a kind, its diffusion outside the Italian borders, up to its recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. We will not fail to visit some of the historic pizzerias of Naples, places where tradition continues to live, and to observe how the Margherita pizza has been reinterpreted and celebrated all over the world. Finally, we will conclude our journey with curiosities and anecdotes that enrich the knowledge of this dish loved and appreciated by millions of people. Prepare your palate and your curiosity: the history of Margherita pizza awaits you!

Origins of pizza

The origin of pizza is a debated topic among historians and gastronomy enthusiasts. Some say pizza originated in ancient Greece, where flat bread was topped with oil, herbs and cheese. Others believe that pizza was born in Naples in the 18th century, when farmers used bread as a dish to take to work in the fields.

Modern pizza, as we know it today, has its roots in the city of Naples. This is where the art of Neapolitan pizza developed, with its thin, crunchy crust and rich toppings of tomato, mozzarella and basil.

In any case, there is no doubt that pizza has ancient roots and that over time it has become one of the most loved and widespread dishes in the world.

The art of Neapolitan pizza

Neapolitan pizza is considered a culinary art that has deep roots in the tradition and culture of Naples. Its preparation is regulated by precise rules and standards that guarantee its authenticity and quality. True Neapolitan pizza must be prepared following the traditional recipe and using high quality ingredients, such as buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil.

The tradition of Neapolitan pizza

The tradition of Neapolitan pizza dates back to the 18th century, when pizza was considered a popular food consumed mainly by the working classes. Over the years, Neapolitan pizza has gained international fame and recognition, becoming one of the most loved and appreciated dishes in the world.

The preparation of Neapolitan pizza is a real ritual that requires skill and passion. The ingredients are worked with care and attention to create a soft and fragrant dough, which is rolled out by hand and seasoned with fresh and genuine ingredients. The pizza is baked in wood-fired ovens at very high temperatures, which gives the pizza its characteristic flavor and crunchy texture.

Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a soft and slightly burnt base, with a high and soft edge. The pizza is topped with a few ingredients, such as buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil, which give the pizza an authentic and genuine flavour.

Neapolitan pizza is a symbol of the culture and tradition of Naples, a city rich in history and charm that has managed to win the hearts of millions of people around the world. Neapolitan pizza is a simple but extraordinary dish, which embodies all the warmth and hospitality of the Neapolitan people.

The legend of Margherita di Savoia

The story behind the Margherita pizza

The legend of Margherita di Savoia is closely linked to the creation of the famous pizza that bears her name. It is said that in 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy, visiting Naples together with her husband King Umberto I, wanted to taste one of the most famous culinary specialties of the city: pizza.

The pizza chef Raffaele Esposito, owner of the pizzeria "Pietro and that's it", decided to prepare three different variations of pizza for the queen: one with tomato and basil, one with tomato and cheese, and one with tomato, basil and mozzarella . Queen Margherita chose the version with the colors of the Italian flag: red tomato, white mozzarella and green basil.

The queen appreciated this pizza so much that Raffaele decided to call it "Pizza Margherita" in her honor. From that moment on, the Margherita pizza became a symbol of Neapolitan and Italian cuisine in the world.

This legend contributed to making the Margherita pizza even more famous, which today is one of the most appreciated and well-known variations of traditional Neapolitan pizza.

The creation of the Margherita pizza

Origins and history

The Margherita pizza is one of the most iconic dishes of Italian cuisine and has ancient origins dating back to 1889 in Naples. Legend has it that the Margherita pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy during a visit to the Neapolitan city. The pizza chef Raffaele Esposito, of the local Pizzeria Brandi, decided to prepare a special pizza for the queen using the colors of the Italian flag: the red of the tomato, the white of the mozzarella and the green of the basil. This combination of simple and genuine ingredients gave life to the famous Margherita pizza, which the queen liked so much that it soon became an iconic dish of the Neapolitan tradition.

The Margherita pizza became a symbol of Naples and Italian cuisine, enjoying great success among locals and tourists who visited the city. Its popularity grew rapidly, becoming a dish loved all over the world and leading the tradition of Neapolitan pizza to spread even outside the Italian borders.

The original recipe of Margherita pizza has been handed down from generation to generation, keeping its authentic flavor and the art of its preparation intact. Today, Margherita pizza is one of the most requested dishes in Italian and international restaurants, representing the excellence of the Italian culinary tradition.

The original ingredients

The Margherita pizza is one of the most loved and well-known dishes in the world, and its simplicity is one of its strengths. The original ingredients of Margherita pizza are:

1. The pizza dough: The base of the Margherita pizza is made with a long-fermented leavened dough, which gives the pizza its soft and light consistency.

2. Buffalo mozzarella: This fresh and creamy cheese is one of the main ingredients of Margherita pizza. Buffalo mozzarella is produced with buffalo milk and gives the pizza its unique and delicate flavour.

3. The San Marzano tomato:San Marzano tomatoes are considered among the best in the world for the production of tomato sauce. Their sweet and slightly acidic pulp is the perfect ingredient for the Margherita pizza sauce.

4. Fresh basil: Basil is the aromatic herb that cannot be missing on Margherita pizza. Its intense and fresh aroma goes perfectly with mozzarella and tomato, creating a unique and unmistakable contrast of flavours.

5. Extra virgin olive oil: To complete the Margherita pizza, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is added, which gives the pizza a rich and rounded flavour, and gives a touch of elegance to the dish.

These are the fundamental ingredients of Margherita pizza, which together create a simple but extraordinarily tasty dish appreciated all over the world. The combination of buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomato, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil is a triumph of Mediterranean flavors that has conquered the palates of millions of people around the world.

The spread of the Margherita pizza

The Margherita pizza is one of the most iconic dishes of Neapolitan and Italian cuisine, and its fame has transcended national borders to spread throughout the world.

Its history begins in the 19th century, when the pizza chef Raffaele Esposito created this dish in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Margherita pizza quickly became popular among the Neapolitan population and spread throughout the city. As time passed, his fame grew and he began to be appreciated even outside the Italian borders.

Today the Margherita pizza is one of the symbols of Italian cuisine in the world and is present in numerous restaurants and pizzerias across the planet. Thanks to its simplicity and unique taste, it is loved by millions of people of all nationalities and ages.

The spread of Margherita pizza was also favored by the presence of numerous Italians who emigrated abroad, who brought with them the Italian culinary tradition and the passion for good pizza. Thanks to them, Margherita pizza has established itself as one of the most appreciated and well-known dishes in the world.

Its popularity is such that today it is possible to find Margherita pizza in any corner of the planet, from New York to Tokyo, from London to Buenos Aires. Wherever you go, there is always the opportunity to savor this delicious and genuine dish, which best represents Italian culinary tradition and culture.

UNESCO recognition

Neapolitan pizza in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity

Neapolitan pizza was officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2017. This recognition was awarded for the first time to an Italian food product, confirming the historical and cultural importance of pizza in a global context .

The UNESCO recognition has been attributed to Neapolitan pizza for its centuries-old tradition and for the craftsmanship behind its preparation. Neapolitan pizza is a symbol of Italian culinary culture and represents a gastronomic heritage of inestimable value.

This prestigious designation has helped to further enhance Neapolitan pizza and promote its authenticity and tradition. Thanks to UNESCO recognition, Neapolitan pizza has become a symbol of gastronomic excellence in the world and a major tourist attraction for Naples and the entire Italian territory.

The historic pizzerias of Naples

Pizzeria Brandi

One of the most famous historic pizzerias in Naples is certainly Pizzeria Brandi, located in the center of the city. Founded in 1780, it is known for being the place where the famous Margherita pizza was created. Even today, Pizzeria Brandi is a destination for tourists and Neapolitans who wish to savor the tradition and quality of one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples.

Pizzeria da Michele

Another historic pizzeria in Naples is Pizzeria da Michele, founded in 1870. Famous for its simple and tasty Margherita pizza, Pizzeria da Michele has become an icon of the Neapolitan culinary tradition. This pizzeria is also very popular with both locals and tourists who wish to savor a piece of Neapolitan pizza history.

Pizzeria Sorbillo

Pizzeria Sorbillo is another historic pizzeria in Naples, founded in 1935. Managed by the Sorbillo family for three generations, it is known for the quality of the ingredients used and the variety of its pizzas. Pizzeria Sorbillo is a point of reference for lovers of traditional Neapolitan pizza and represents an institution in the city's gastronomic panorama.

Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro

Finally, Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro is another historic pizzeria in Naples, founded in 1923. Located near Piazza Dante, it is famous for its Margherita pizza and for its welcoming and family atmosphere. The Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro is a meeting place for lovers of pizza and Neapolitan tradition, who wish to enjoy an authentic, high-quality product.

Margherita pizza in the world

Margherita pizza is one of the most well-known and appreciated Italian dishes throughout the world.

This Neapolitan delicacy has conquered the palates of millions of people in every corner of the planet, becoming a symbol of Italian cuisine and a true gastronomic icon.

The Margherita pizza was brought abroad mainly by Italian emigrants, who spread its traditional recipe to many countries, where it was reinterpreted and adapted to different culinary cultures.

Today Margherita pizza can be found in every corner of the globe, from large metropolises such as New York and Tokyo, to the most renowned tourist destinations such as Paris and Rio de Janeiro.

Italian pizzerias abroad have become true temples of pizza, where you can taste authentic versions of the Margherita, prepared with ingredients imported directly from Italy.

Even great starred chefs have been won over by the Margherita pizza, reinterpreting it in a gourmet key and introducing it into their most prestigious menus.

The Margherita pizza has also become a must in luxury restaurants around the world, where it is offered in creative and sophisticated versions, while maintaining its simple and genuine spirit intact.

There is no doubt that the Margherita pizza has conquered the hearts and palates of millions of people around the world, confirming itself as one of the most loved and appreciated dishes of the Italian culinary tradition.