Since ancient times, when the Greeks ruled the world, humans have been delighting in the art of topping flat breads with a variety of delectable ingredients. While there is some debate about the exact origins of pizza, it is almost certain that the birthplace of this beloved dish was in Naples, not Rome as commonly believed. Pizza underwent various transformations until the advent of global trade brought the tomato to Italy, forever changing the pizza landscape.
In its early days, pizza was a dish enjoyed exclusively by Italians. However, it wasn’t until Queen Margherita and King Umberto I embarked on their tour of the kingdom that pizza caught the attention of the world. The queen, completely captivated by this culinary wonder, had her chef experiment with different styles of pizza until he created the one that stole her heart. Honoring the Italian flag, the chef used red tomatoes for the base, green basil, and white mozzarella cheese, giving birth to the iconic Margherita pizza.
Fast forward to the end of World War II, when pizza’s global demand began to soar. Allied soldiers, enchanted by the dish during their time in Italy, brought their newfound love for pizza back to their home countries. Pizzerias started popping up all over the world, celebrating this cherished Italian gift.
The Irresistible Allure of Pizza
What makes pizza so universally popular? One of the secrets lies in its ability to satisfy all our taste sensations: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each bite of pizza tantalizes our taste buds with these diverse flavors. The key to this mouthwatering experience is the presence of glutamate, a naturally occurring compound found in foods that give a savory umami sensation. Authentic Italian pizza is rich in glutamate, thanks to the aged cheese, tomatoes, and animal proteins used in its preparation. It’s no wonder you can’t resist having just one slice!
Unraveling the Authenticity of Italian Pizza
To truly understand what “authentic Italian pizza” means, we must uncover the essence of an authentic Italian pizza. According to the True Neapolitan Pizza Association (TNPA), the official governing body that upholds the original pizza standards, only two varieties are recognized as authentic Italian pizzas: Margherita and Marinara (Neapolitan pizzas). The Marinara, topped with tomatoes, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and optionally basil, is a simpler yet equally delightful option.
The Rules of Authenticity
While there are no official, set rules for authentic Italian pizza, the TNPA provides some guidelines for those aiming to create an authentic culinary masterpiece. These guidelines include a preference for a wood-burning oven (though it’s not mandatory), the use of San Marzano tomatoes from the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, and the exclusive use of fresh mozzarella fiordilatte from local Italian farms. Additionally, according to the TNPA, the pizza must be round, with a diameter not exceeding 13 and three-quarter inches. The center of the pizza should be less than one-tenth of an inch tall. Lastly, the dough must be hand-kneaded and prepared using traditional types of flour, yeast, salt, and tomatoes.
With these simple rules and a dash of passion, anyone can create their own authentic Italian pizza. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors, and savor every bite. Goditi la tua pizza! Enjoy your pizza!