The origins of Neapolitan pizza: history & evolution.

Neapolitan pizza is undoubtedly one of the most famous Italian dishes worldwide. However, few people really know the origins of this delicious culinary specialty. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of Neapolitan pizza.

The origins of pizza date back to ancient times, but the Neapolitan version we know today emerged in the 18th century. At the time, pizza was considered a cheap street food, usually consumed by the lower classes.

Neapolitan pizza was initially created in the city of Naples, in southern Italy, where it was prepared with simple ingredients such as tomato, garlic, and cheese. However, the key ingredient that gave Neapolitan pizza its characteristic taste was mozzarella, a fresh cheese made from buffalo milk.

In the 19th century, Neapolitan pizza began to spread to other parts of Italy, as well as to the rest of Europe, thanks to migrant workers from Naples. However, Neapolitan pizza remained a simple and cheap dish, often considered street food rather than a gourmet dish.

It was in the 1930s that Neapolitan pizza began to become more popular in Italy, thanks to the opening of specialized pizzerias in the country's major cities. Pizza then became a dish of choice for Italians of all social classes, with a wide variety of toppings available.

However, it was the end of World War II that truly propelled Neapolitan pizza onto the international scene. American soldiers stationed in Naples discovered pizza and brought it back to their home country, where it quickly became a popular dish. Pizza then became an icon of American culture, symbolizing abundance and freedom.

Since then, Neapolitan pizza has become a global dish, consumed in many countries around the world. However, purists believe that only true Neapolitan pizza, prepared according to traditional methods, can be considered real pizza.

Neapolitan pizza is often considered one of the most iconic dishes in Italian cuisine. However, its history is more complex than it seems, with roots dating back to ancient times and an evolution influenced by cultural, economic, and political factors.

Today, Neapolitan pizza is celebrated around the world, with many pizzerias specializing in its preparation. However, despite the global craze for pizza, it is important to remember its humble origins.