Among the hundreds of choices of mouth-watering pizzas available in every shop, ever ordered a Margherita pizza and wondered, "Why is it called a Margherita?"
This classic Neapolitan delight, with its simple yet delicious combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, and olive oil, seems to be claimed by some to have originated from royal connections.
Is it true?
Verdict:
Possibly
So, how did this globally famous pizza actually earn its name?
The story goes that Queen Margherita of Savoy, during a tour of Naples with King Umberto I in June 1889 (who happened to be her first cousin), came at a pivotal moment.
This visit followed the unification of northern and southern Italy, and the latter was in need of a morale boost after losing its independence.
The queen grew tired of the familiar French cuisine being served during her stay and having heard this, Raffaele Esposito, who was Naples' most famous pizza maker, made a pie in tribute to her.
Topped with tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil, the pie was in the hues of the Italian flag.
The result of this invention, dubbed "Pizza Margherita" became a universal success.
A different legend has a simpler beginning: "Margherita" which translates to "daisy" in Italian, which could be referring to the daisy-like placement of basil and mozzarella on the pizza.
Nonetheless, the Margherita pizza's heritage lives on, whether or not as a salute to royalty or a celebration of the natural floral beauty.
From a humble origin in Naples, made to delight a queen's palate, it has grown into an internationally recognized culinary icon, beloved by pizza fans all over the globe.
2. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pizza-margherita_n_5aa6abf1e4b009b705d4e994
