Neapolitan pizza's rise: Tradition meets global trend

There are many pizza types, but Neapolitan pizza has recently become the most popular. The True Neapolitan Pizza Association promotes knowledge about this dish worldwide and trains pizzaiolos to prepare it according to strictly set rules. What sets this pizza from Naples apart? It's not just the baking time that's key.

Neapolitan pizza is distinguished by its excellent dough with baked edges. This dish has become one of the symbols of Italian cuisine and is known worldwide. In 2017, the method of preparing this pizza was inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Neapolitan pizza is offered in many restaurants. However, you can learn how to prepare it through courses organized by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association. This organization cares about maintaining this dish's authenticity and teaches how to prepare it. The courses are top-rated. The organization also offers online "pizza lessons." The basic training lasts 50 hours and costs about 1,300 Canadian dollars. Certified Neapolitan pizzerias are found in 58 countries worldwide.

What is most important in Neapolitan pizza? Simple ingredients, proper dough preparation, and short baking time. As for the ingredients, they should come from Campania. The most important are "00" flour, tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil. The dough is prepared by hand only, according to traditional methods. And baking? Only in a wood-fired oven that reaches about 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the pizza is ready in 60-90 seconds and has slightly baked edges and a gently moist centre.