Everything You Need to Know About Neapolitan Pizza

Pizza is a food that has captured the hearts and stomachs of people all around the world. From classic margherita to meat lovers, pizza comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavours. But there's one type of pizza that reigns supreme: Neapolitan pizza. Originating from Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza is not just a food; it's a work of art. With its chewy crust, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese, Neapolitan pizza is considered by many to be the king of pizzas. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of Neapolitan pizza and discover what makes it so special.


The History of Neapolitan Pizza


Neapolitan pizza has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was first made in Naples, Italy, and was considered a food for the poor. The pizza was made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and flour, which were readily available and cheap. Neapolitan pizza became popular among the poor people of Naples because it was affordable and filling.


Over time, Neapolitan pizza gained popularity and became a symbol of Naples' culture and traditions. Pizza makers in Naples began to experiment with new ingredients, such as fresh basil and mozzarella di bufala, which elevated the taste of the pizza. In 1984, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) was established to preserve the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza. Today, Neapolitan pizza is recognized worldwide as a culinary masterpiece.


The Ingredients of Neapolitan Pizza


The ingredients of Neapolitan pizza are simple and fresh. The pizza dough is made with flour, water, yeast, and salt and is left to rise for several hours. The Neapolitan sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, which are tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil surrounding Mount Vesuvius. The cheese used is mozzarella di bufala, which is made from the milk of water buffalo. Finally, the pizza is topped with fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil.


The Preparation of Neapolitan Pizza


The preparation of Neapolitan pizza is an art form. The dough is stretched by hand and rolled out into a thin, round shape. The sauce is spread thinly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. The cheese is then added, and the pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at a temperature of 485°C for 60 to 90 seconds.


The Characteristics of Neapolitan Pizza


Neapolitan pizza is known for its unique characteristics. The crust is thin, chewy, and slightly charred, with a raised edge. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and slightly acidic, with a bright red colour. The cheese is soft, creamy, and slightly salty, with a subtle tang. The pizza is topped with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, which adds a fragrant and fruity flavour.


The Differences Between Neapolitan Pizza and Other Types of Pizza


Neapolitan pizza is different from other types of pizza in several ways. It has a thin, chewy crust, unlike the thick and crispy crust of New York-style pizza. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, which have a unique flavour and texture that is different from the tomato sauce used in Chicago-style pizza. The cheese used in Neapolitan pizza is mozzarella di bufala, which is different from the processed cheese used in fast-food pizza.


Neapolitan Pizza and its Nutrients


Neapolitan pizza is a healthier option than other types of pizza. The dough is made from high-quality flour and is left to rise for several hours, which makes it easier to digest. The sauce is made from fresh tomatoes, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The cheese used in Neapolitan pizza is mozzarella di bufala, which is lower in fat and calories than other types of cheese.


Final Thoughts


Neapolitan pizza is a food that has a rich history and unique characteristics. It's made with simple, fresh ingredients and is prepared with care and attention to detail. Neapolitan pizza is recognized worldwide as one of the best types of pizza and is enjoyed by pizza lovers of all ages. If you have never tried Neapolitan pizza before, we highly recommend that you give it a try. You won't be disappointed!


Get delicious Neapolitan pizza in Coquitlam from La Ruota. We created La Ruota Pizzeria to serve amazingly traditional and new-world pizzas made the Southern Italian way. Using the hand-picked, fresh ingredients combined in the most creative way possible, we cook pizzas to perfection in our 900° oven. Order now!