Queen Margherita of Italy, the namesake of one of the most iconic pizza varieties, left an indelible mark on culinary history. In 1889, during a visit to Naples, Queen Margherita and her husband, King Umberto I, were treated to a special creation by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. This pizza featured the colors of the Italian flag—red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—and was aptly named the Margherita pizza in her honor.
The Queen's preference for this simple yet flavorful combination not only bestowed royal approval on a humble street food but also elevated pizza to a symbol of national pride. The Margherita pizza represented the essence of Italian simplicity and became a culinary landmark, influencing pizza recipes worldwide.
The choice of ingredients in the Margherita pizza reflects the patriotic symbolism Queen Margherita appreciated. The vibrant red tomatoes symbolize the tomato sauce, the white mozzarella represents the cheese, and the fresh green basil serves as a nod to the Italian flag's green stripe.
Over a century later, the Margherita pizza remains a timeless classic, cherished by pizza enthusiasts globally. Its legacy extends beyond Naples, with pizzerias worldwide offering their take on this royal favorite. Queen Margherita inadvertently became a gastronomic icon, forever linked to the beloved pizza variety that bears her name and continues to captivate taste buds around the world.