Original Napoli Pizza: The History and Authenticity of Italy’s Most Famous Dish

Few pizza varieties are as well-liked as the Neapolitan style. This Italian pizza variety, which has its roots in Naples, has become well-known for its genuine flavor and age-old cooking techniques.

Napoli pizza

Neapolitan pizza is known for its use of straightforward, premium ingredients like fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and a chewy, soft crust baked in a wood-fired oven.

Original Napoli’s Pizza is among the most recognizable pizzerias selling real Neapolitan pizza. This family-owned pizzeria has been churning out delectable, premium pizza since it opened its doors in Naples, Italy, in 1932.

Even though Original Napoli’s Pizza has restaurants all over the world today, its first priority is still to uphold the standards that have made it a treasured institution for countless generations of pizza lovers.

Every pizza is created with the utmost care and attention to detail at Original Napoli’s Pizza. Each pizza is hand-stretched, topped with the freshest, most flavorful toppings available, and the dough is produced fresh every day using only the finest ingredients.

Original Napoli’s Pizza has something for everyone, whether you enjoy traditional Margherita pizza or something a little more daring, like the Diavola with fiery salami and pepper flakes.

History of Original Napoli Pizza

At the heart of Naples lies the birthplace of pizza. The city’s bustling streets and vibrant culture have played a significant role in the creation and evolution of this beloved dish.

Whole neapolitan pizza

From the street vendors of the 18th century to the modern-day pizzerias, Naples has been the center of pizza-making for centuries.

Naples and the Birth of Pizza

The exact origin of pizza is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Naples in the 18th century.

It started as a simple dish made by street vendors who sold flatbreads with various toppings to the poor. These vendors were known as “pizzaioli,” and their pizzas were sold from open-air stands.

The pizza that we know today, with its tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings, was created in Naples.

The city’s volcanic soil and warm climate provided the perfect environment for growing the San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella that are essential ingredients in Neapolitan pizza.

Queen Margherita and the Margherita Pizza

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and was served a pizza made by the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito.

The pizza was topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag.

The Queen was so impressed with the pizza that she sent a letter to Esposito, thanking him for the delicious meal.

This pizza came to be known as the Margherita pizza, and it remains one of the most popular pizzas in the world.

Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN)

The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) is an organization that was founded in Naples in 1984 to protect the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza.

The AVPN has established strict guidelines for the production of Neapolitan pizza, including the use of specific ingredients and methods of preparation. Only pizzerias that adhere to these guidelines can be certified as producing authentic Neapolitan pizza.

In conclusion, the history of original Napoli pizza is deeply rooted in the city of Naples. From its humble beginnings as street food to its current status as a beloved dish around the world, Neapolitan pizza has a rich history and cultural significance.

The Margherita pizza and the AVPN are just a few examples of how this dish has evolved over time while remaining true to its roots.

Ingredients of Original Napoli Pizza

When it comes to the original Napoli pizza, the ingredients used are just as important as the technique used to prepare it. Here are the key ingredients that make up a classic Napoli pizza:

Pizza Napoletana - Napoli

Dough

The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and the original Napoli pizza dough is no exception. The dough is made using wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast.

The dough is then left to rise for several hours, resulting in a light and airy crust that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce used in an original Napoli pizza is made using San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their rich, sweet flavor and low acidity. The tomatoes are crushed and mixed with garlic, oregano, and salt to create a simple yet flavorful sauce that complements the other ingredients.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a key ingredient in any pizza, and the original Napoli pizza is no exception. The cheese used in an original Napoli pizza is typically either buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte, which are both soft, creamy, and have a delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

Basil

Fresh basil is another essential ingredient in an original Napoli pizza. The basil is added to the pizza after it comes out of the oven, giving it a fresh and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is used to drizzle over the pizza after it comes out of the oven. The oil adds a rich and fruity flavor to the pizza and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Overall, the original Napoli pizza is a simple yet delicious dish that relies on high-quality ingredients and expert techniques to create a pizza that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Making Authentic Original Napoli Pizza

At our pizzeria, we take pride in making authentic Original Napoli Pizza. To achieve the perfect pizza, we follow strict guidelines and use traditional methods. Here are the key elements that make our pizza truly authentic.

Italian Pizza

Pizza Oven

The pizza oven is the heart of any pizzeria, and it’s no different for us. We use a wood-fired oven to cook our pizzas, which gives them a unique flavor and texture.

The oven must be heated to a temperature of at least 485°C/905°F, and the pizza must be cooked for no more than 90 seconds. This ensures that the crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Scratch Cooking

We believe that the key to making authentic Original Napoli Pizza is to make everything from scratch. This means that we make our own dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

We use only the best quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, to ensure that our pizza is of the highest quality.

AVPN Guidelines

AVPN stands for Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which is an organization that promotes and protects the authentic Neapolitan pizza.

We follow their guidelines to ensure that our pizza is truly authentic. These guidelines include using only the best quality ingredients, cooking the pizza in a wood-fired oven, and following strict cooking times and temperatures.

To achieve AVPN certification, we must also follow strict guidelines for the size and shape of the pizza, the thickness of the crust, and the number of toppings. This ensures that our pizza is consistent with the traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Making authentic Original Napoli Pizza requires a combination of traditional methods, strict guidelines, and high-quality ingredients.

By following these principles, we are able to create a pizza that is truly authentic and delicious.

Varieties of Original Napoli Pizza

When it comes to Original Napoli Pizza, there are a few classic varieties that stand out. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the three main types of Original Napoli Pizza: Pizza Margherita, Pizza Marinara, and Other Varieties.

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita is the most famous and iconic variety of Original Napoli Pizza. Legend has it that the pizza was created in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy.

The pizza features tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The colors of the ingredients – red, white, and green – were said to represent the Italian flag.

To make a great Pizza Margherita, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. The tomato sauce should be made with San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet, rich flavor. The mozzarella cheese should be made from buffalo milk, which gives it a creamy texture and tangy flavor. And the basil leaves should be fresh and fragrant.

Pizza Marinara

Pizza Marinara is another classic variety of Original Napoli Pizza. Unlike Pizza Margherita, it doesn’t have cheese. Instead, it features tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil.

The name “Marinara” comes from the Italian word for “mariner,” as the pizza was traditionally a favorite of sailors.

Despite its simple ingredients, Pizza Marinara can be incredibly flavorful. The garlic and oregano give it a bold, savory taste, while the tomato sauce provides a sweet, tangy balance. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a lighter, cheese-free pizza.

Other Varieties

While Pizza Margherita and Pizza Marinara are the most famous varieties of Original Napoli Pizza, there are many other delicious options to try. Some popular varieties include:

  • Pizza Capricciosa: A pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives.
  • Pizza Quattro Stagioni: A pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives, divided into four sections to represent the four seasons.
  • Pizza Diavola: A pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spicy salami, and chili flakes.

No matter which variety you choose, Original Napoli Pizza is a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s no wonder that pizza has become one of Italy’s most beloved culinary exports.

Where to Find Original Napoli Pizza

If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Original Napoli Pizza is the place to go. Here are some options for where to find it:

In Naples

The best place to find Original Napoli Pizza is, of course, in Naples. There are many pizzerias in Naples that serve this style of pizza, but some of the most famous include L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Pizzeria Brandi, and Sorbillo.

These pizzerias have been around for decades and are known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

Outside of Naples

If you’re not in Naples, don’t worry – you can still find Original Napoli Pizza in other parts of Italy and around the world.

Many pizzerias outside of Naples have adopted the traditional Neapolitan pizza-making methods and use high-quality ingredients to create delicious pizzas. Some of the best pizzerias outside of Naples include:

  • Pizzeria La Notizia in Rome
  • Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo in Milan
  • Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles
  • Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix

Reviews from Yelp Users

If you’re looking for reviews of Original Napoli Pizza, Yelp is a great place to start. Many users have shared their experiences at various pizzerias and have given their opinions on the quality of the pizza, the amenities, and the service. Here are some reviews from Yelp users:

  • “The pizza was amazing! The crust was crispy and chewy, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful.” – John D.
  • “The pizzeria was clean and had a great atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the pizza was delicious.” – Sarah L.
  • “The pizza was okay, but the service was terrible. We had to wait over an hour for our pizza, and when it finally arrived, it was cold.” – Mark S.

Overall, if you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Original Napoli Pizza is the way to go. Whether you’re in Naples or outside of it, there are many pizzerias that serve this delicious style of pizza. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Preserving the Tradition of Original Napoli Pizza

As lovers of authentic Neapolitan pizza, we understand the importance of preserving the tradition of this iconic Italian dish.

The intangible cultural heritage of Naples is deeply intertwined with the art of pizza-making, and it is our duty to ensure that this tradition is passed down to future generations.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

The art of Neapolitan pizza-making has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

This means that it is an important part of the cultural identity of Naples and Italy as a whole. As such, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve this heritage.

One way we do this is by ensuring that the ingredients and techniques used to make authentic Neapolitan pizza are not lost.

We work with local farmers and producers to source the highest quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana cheese.

We also train our pizza-makers in the traditional techniques used to make Neapolitan pizza, such as hand-stretching the dough and cooking it in a wood-fired oven.

Community Involvement

Preserving the tradition of Neapolitan pizza is not just the responsibility of pizza-makers but of the entire community.

We work closely with local organizations and associations to promote the art of pizza-making and to educate people about the importance of preserving this tradition.

We also believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much. We support local initiatives and charities, such as those that provide food and shelter to those in need.

By working together, we can ensure that the tradition of Neapolitan pizza continues to thrive in Naples and beyond. Preserving the tradition of original Napoli pizza is a responsibility that we take seriously.

By protecting the intangible cultural heritage of Naples, involving the community, and promoting authentic Neapolitan pizza, we can ensure that this iconic Italian dish continues to be loved and enjoyed for generations to come.

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