Fire pizza margherita

Pizza margherita is an Italian classic, symbol of Neapolitan cuisine, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.

About this subject

Pizza margherita is one of the most iconic Italian recipes, originating from Naples. Its creation is attributed to pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito in 1889, who allegedly prepared a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy. The red tomato sauce, white buffalo mozzarella, and green basil represent the Italian tricolor.

Traditional preparation follows strict rules: type 00 flour, natural yeast, and San Marzano tomatoes. Buffalo mozzarella from Campania is the most authentic, but versions with common mozzarella are frequent outside Italy. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at about 485 degrees Celsius for 60 to 90 seconds, resulting in a high, soft crust (cornicione) and a moist center.

In Brazil, pizza margherita is one of the most popular flavors, adapted with local mozzarella and tomato sauce. Italian immigration brought the tradition, and today São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have pizzerias following the authentic Neapolitan recipe. The art of Neapolitan pizza-making was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Interesting fact: the original margherita pizza does not include oregano, only fresh basil. Also, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) certifies pizzerias that adhere to traditional standards, ensuring the dish's quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pizza margherita and Neapolitan pizza?

Pizza margherita is a specific type of Neapolitan pizza, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Neapolitan pizza is the broader category, including other variations like marinara (no cheese) and al formaggio (with cheese).

Why is pizza margherita named that way?

The name honors Queen Margherita of Savoy, who supposedly tasted the pizza in 1889 and approved it. The ingredients' colors (red, white, green) represent the Italian flag.

Does authentic pizza margherita have oregano?

No. The traditional Neapolitan recipe uses only fresh basil. Oregano is common in other variations but is not part of the authentic margherita.