Pizza Napoletana

Neapolitan cuisineItalian cuisine

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Country: Italy
Region: Campania
Recipes: 3 Recipes

Origins & Characteristics of Pizza Napoletana

Pizza Napoletana is not just a dish; it's a profound culinary symbol, deeply ingrained in the culture of Naples and revered worldwide. Its history is a fascinating journey that parallels the socio-economic evolution of the city itself. Originally a food for the working class, its simplicity and use of abundant local ingredients like tomatoes and basil made it accessible. The legend of Queen Margherita's visit in 1889, where pizzamaker Raffaele Esposito created a pizza resembling the Italian flag, is often cited as the moment the "Margherita" gained royal seal of approval, catapulting pizza from the streets to more respectable dining tables, though similar tomato-topped flatbreads existed prior. This dish is protected by Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status from the European Union, which legally safeguards its traditional methods and ingredients. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was established to rigorously uphold these standards, dictating everything from the type of flour (00 or 0, strong wheat flour) and San Marzano tomatoes, to the specific fresh mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO or Fior di Latte), and the cooking temperature in a wood-fired oven. The result is a unique pie with a soft, elastic, and digestible crust, the famous "cornicione" (raised edge), often slightly charred from the intense heat. Pizza Napoletana transcends mere food; it's a testament to the Neapolitan spirit, a celebration of their rich agricultural heritage, and a foundational element of global gastronomy, inspiring countless variations while its authentic form remains a pilgrimage for food lovers.

History of Pizza Napoletana

1738
Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, considered the world's first pizzeria, opens in Naples.
1889
Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito reputedly creates the "Pizza Margherita" for Queen Margherita of Savoy.
1984
The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) is founded to protect and promote authentic Neapolitan pizza.
2009
Pizza Napoletana receives Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status from the European Union.
2017
The 'Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo' is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Classic Pizza Napoletana recipes and variations

3 recipes found

A rustic Pizza Napoletana Bianca, glistening with olive oil and topped generously with fresh rosemary sprigs and slivers of roasted garlic, sits on a wooden board, ready to be enjoyed.

Pizza Napoletana Bianca with Garlic and Rosemary

A delicious grilled pizza with a blistered crust, vibrant tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese sits on a rustic wooden board, ready to be enjoyed.

Quick Pizza Napoletana on Grill

A perfectly blistered, charred Neapolitan pizza rests on a wooden peel, topped with vibrant red tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves under warm, inviting light.

Authentic Pizza Napoletana with Traditional Dough

Origins & Characteristics of Pizza Napoletana

History of Pizza Napoletana

1738

Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, considered the world's first pizzeria, opens in Naples.

1889

Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito reputedly creates the "Pizza Margherita" for Queen Margherita of Savoy.

1984

The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) is founded to protect and promote authentic Neapolitan pizza.

2009

Pizza Napoletana receives Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status from the European Union.

2017

The 'Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo' is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.