National Pizza Margarita Day

Young woman enjoying a slice of pizza margherita, wearing a chef's hat, surrounded by chef tools and a kitchen scene..
National pizza margarita day illustration

Welcome to the sauciest day on the calendar! Get ready to sink your teeth into the delicious history of National Pizza Margherita Day. This cheesy celebration is all about indulging in that perfect combination of gooey cheese, fragrant basil, and tangy tomato sauce. So, grab a slice and let's dig in!

When is Pizza Margarita Day?

It's national pizza margarita day on the 5th March.


The Birth of a Pizza Legend

When it comes to pizza, there are countless toppings to choose from. But perhaps none are as iconic as the classic Margherita. This beloved pizza has a rich history that dates back to 1889 in the vibrant city of Naples, Italy.

The story goes that Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples, and the local pizzaiolo, Raffaele Esposito, was tasked with creating a special pizza in her honor. Esposito combined the colors of the Italian flag with fresh ingredients: tomatoes for red, mozzarella cheese for white, and basil leaves for green. The queen loved it, and thus, the Margherita pizza was born.

Since then, the Margherita pizza has become a worldwide favorite, loved for its simplicity and bold flavors. From its humble beginnings in Naples to topping the charts of pizza popularity, this flavorful creation has stood the test of time.

How to Celebrate

Now that you know the history, it's time to celebrate National Pizza Margherita Day in style. Here are a few delicious ideas to make your taste buds dance:

  • Visit your favorite local pizzeria and indulge in a piping hot Margherita pizza. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep-dish, there's a Margherita pizza out there to satisfy every craving.
  • Get creative in the kitchen and try making your own Margherita pizza from scratch. Experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to put your own delicious twist on this classic recipe.
  • Host a pizza party and invite your friends and loved ones to join in the cheesy festivities. Set up a pizza bar with an array of toppings so everyone can create their own custom Margherita masterpiece.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy? It's not every day a pizza is named after royalty! So, the next time you take a bite of this delicious pie, remember that you're tasting a true culinary gem fit for a queen.



History behind the term 'Pizza Margarita'


1889

Birth of Pizza Margherita

In the year 1889, the term 'pizza margherita' was born in Naples, Italy. Legend has it that Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of Italy, visited Naples and requested a sample of pizza. To honor her, pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza with the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil. This delicious and visually appealing pizza became known as 'pizza margherita'.


1905

First Pizza Margherita in the United States

In the year 1905, the first pizza margherita made its way to the United States. Gennaro Lombardi, an Italian immigrant in New York City, opened the first pizzeria in America. Lombardi's pizzeria served the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, including the iconic pizza margherita. This marked the beginning of the pizza revolution in the United States and introduced Americans to the deliciousness of pizza margherita.


1945

Pizza Margherita's Popularity Soars

By the year 1945, pizza margherita had become a popular dish not only in Italy but also worldwide. After World War II, American soldiers returning from Italy brought back a love for pizza, including the classic margherita. The simplicity and flavors of the margherita pizza resonated with people around the globe, leading to its widespread popularity and the establishment of numerous pizzerias serving this iconic variation.



1984

Pizza Margherita Certified by AVPN

In 1984, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was established in Naples, Italy, to preserve the traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques. The AVPN developed strict regulations for making authentic Neapolitan pizza, including the margherita. These guidelines specify the ingredients, dough preparation, and cooking methods required to achieve an officially certified pizza margherita, ensuring its quality and authenticity.


Present Day

Global Icon and Endless Variations

Today, pizza margherita is recognized as a global icon of Italian cuisine. It has inspired countless variations and interpretations around the world, with toppings ranging from additional vegetables and meats to unique flavor combinations. Despite the evolution of pizza styles, the classic margherita remains a beloved choice for pizza enthusiasts, attracting both purists who crave the traditional flavors and those who enjoy experimenting with new toppings while maintaining the essence of the original 'pizza margherita'.


Did you know?

Did you know that the Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Italy? It's not every day a pizza is named after royalty! So, the next time you take a bite of this delicious pie, remember that you're tasting a true culinary gem fit for a queen.

Tagged

food fun

First identified

4th March 2016

Most mentioned on

5th March 2016

Total mentions

56

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