Pizza margherita wood fired oven

Pizza margherita baked in a wood-fired oven is an icon of Neapolitan cuisine, recognized worldwide for its simplicity and authentic flavor.

About this subject

Pizza margherita, with its classic combination of tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil, is one of Italy's most emblematic recipes. Its origin dates back to 1889, when pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito from Pizzeria Brandi in Naples prepared three pizzas for the visit of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita. One of them, featuring the colors of the Italian flag (red from tomato, white from mozzarella, and green from basil), pleased the queen so much that it was named after her.

The preparation in a wood-fired oven is essential for the authenticity of pizza margherita. These ovens, usually built with refractory bricks, reach temperatures between 400°C and 500°C. The intense and even heat bakes the dough in just 60 to 90 seconds, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior, with slightly charred edges and melted toppings. Oak or beech wood imparts a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the ingredients.

In Naples, pizza margherita has been protected by a controlled designation of origin (DOC) since 1993, and by the EU's Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) certification. This means only pizzas made with specific ingredients (such as buffalo mozzarella from Campania or fior di latte, San Marzano tomatoes, and Genovese basil) and baked in a wood-fired oven can be called pizza margherita. The tradition is celebrated annually at the Pizza Village event in Naples, attracting thousands of visitors.

Interestingly, pizza margherita has influenced global cuisine, but versions outside Italy often adapt local ingredients. In Brazil, for example, it is common to use regular mozzarella and oregano, while the Italian version strictly follows the original recipe. The wood-fired oven, however, remains the preferred method for artisanal pizzerias, as it guarantees the texture and flavor that made this pizza an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, recognized by UNESCO in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal temperature for a wood-fired oven for pizza margherita?

The ideal temperature is between 400°C and 500°C. The intense heat allows the pizza to bake in 60 to 90 seconds, ensuring a crispy yet soft texture.

Which ingredients are mandatory in traditional pizza margherita?

The original recipe uses San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella from Campania (or fior di latte), fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. The dough is made with flour, water, yeast, and salt.

Why is pizza margherita considered a cultural heritage of humanity?

In 2017, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizzaiolos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, due to the tradition, techniques, and cultural importance of pizza, especially margherita.