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Neapolitan pizza

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Neapolitan pizza is a distinct variety of round pizza from Naples, Italy. It is known for its soft, thin dough and high edges. This food is more than just a meal for many people. It represents a deep cultural tradition and a specific way of working. The art of making this pizza is recognized by UNESCO. It is listed as intangible cultural heritage. This means the skill and the method are passed down through generations.

The process of making the dough follows very specific rules. Bakers use only four main ingredients: wheat flour, salt, water, and yeast. The yeast can be brewer's yeast or natural Neapolitan yeast. The dough must never contain any sugar or fat. To ensure the right texture, the flour must be finely ground. It should be a medium-strength wheat flour. This means it has a W value between 250 and 320. The protein content should be between 11% and 13.5%. No more than 20% of the flour can be strong flour with a W value above 350.

Preparation requires careful manual labor to maintain quality. The dough must be kneaded by hand or with a low-speed mixer. Once the dough has finished its rising process, it must be shaped by hand. You are not allowed to use a rolling pin or any machines. The resulting dough must be no more than 0.25 cm in height. This thinness is a key part of the Neapolitan style. After shaping, the pizza is placed in a wood-fired oven. The baking process is very fast, lasting only 60 to 90 seconds.

The toppings used for Neapolitan pizza are also highly regulated. Traditional recipes often use San Marzano tomatoes. These specific tomatoes grow on the volcanic plains south of Mount Vesuvius. For the cheese, makers typically use Mozzarella or Fior di Latte. These ingredients provide the classic flavors expected of the dish. The combination of volcanic soil and specific dairy creates a unique taste.

Because this food is so special, it has several levels of protection. The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, or AVPN, protects the name. This association sets strict requirements for pizzerias to follow. They even use mystery shoppers to ensure these traditions are respected. This helps guarantee that the pizza remains authentic. The Italian Standardization Body also administers this protected designation.

The European Union also provides official recognition for this craft. Since February 5, 2010, it has held Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status. This status is given to products that are objectively different from others. To earn this, the method of production must be consistent for at least 30 years. It proves that the raw materials and the recipe have stayed the same. This protects the identity of Neapolitan pizza in a global market.

Neapolitan pizza connects food to history and geography. The use of ingredients from the volcanic plains shows a link to the land. The strict rules show a respect for human skill and manual labor. There are different varieties of this pizza, such as Pizza Margherita or Pizza Marinara. These styles are all part of the broader Neapolitan cuisine. Understanding these rules helps us see how a simple recipe becomes a protected cultural treasure.

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