What To Know
- According to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), the governing body for authentic Neapolitan pizza, a traditional Margherita pizza must adhere to strict guidelines.
- Ultimately, the question of whether or not to put sliced tomatoes on a Margherita pizza is a matter of personal preference.
- To prevent sogginess, sliced tomatoes can be seasoned with salt and allowed to rest on paper towels before being added to the pizza.
The iconic Margherita pizza, a culinary masterpiece from Naples, Italy, has captivated taste buds worldwide. Its simplicity and fresh flavors have made it a beloved dish, but one question persists: does margherita pizza have sliced tomatoes?
The Traditional Margherita
According to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), the governing body for authentic Neapolitan pizza, a traditional Margherita pizza must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines dictate that the pizza must be made with specific ingredients, including:
- San Marzano tomatoes: These plum tomatoes, grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Vesuvius, are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are typically crushed or puréed before being used on the pizza.
- Mozzarella di bufala: This soft, creamy cheese made from water buffalo milk adds a rich and milky flavor to the pizza.
- Fresh basil: The bright green leaves of fresh basil are torn and scattered on top of the pizza, infusing it with a herbaceous aroma.
Sliced Tomatoes: A Matter of Interpretation
The VPN guidelines do not explicitly mention sliced tomatoes as an ingredient on the Margherita pizza. However, some pizzaioli (pizza makers) do choose to add sliced tomatoes to their Margherita pizzas. This variation is not considered traditional, but it is still enjoyed by many.
Pros and Cons of Sliced Tomatoes
Adding sliced tomatoes to a Margherita pizza can have both advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Texture: Sliced tomatoes add a juicy, fleshy texture to the pizza, contrasting with the soft cheese and crispy crust.
- Flavor: Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity to the pizza, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Visual appeal: Sliced tomatoes create a vibrant and colorful topping, making the pizza more visually appealing.
Disadvantages:
- Wateriness: Sliced tomatoes can release excess water as they cook, potentially making the pizza soggy.
- Overpowering flavor: If too many tomatoes are used, they can overpower the delicate flavors of the mozzarella and basil.
- Tradition: Adding sliced tomatoes to a Margherita pizza deviates from the traditional recipe, which some purists may disapprove of.
In a nutshell: A Personal Preference
Ultimately, the question of whether or not to put sliced tomatoes on a Margherita pizza is a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer, and both traditionalists and innovators can enjoy the pizza in their own way.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Are sliced tomatoes traditional on Margherita pizza?
No, according to the VPN guidelines, sliced tomatoes are not a traditional ingredient on Margherita pizza.
2. Why do some pizzaioli add sliced tomatoes?
Some pizzaioli add sliced tomatoes to enhance the texture, flavor, and visual appeal of the pizza.
3. What are the potential drawbacks of adding sliced tomatoes?
Adding sliced tomatoes can make the pizza soggy, overpower the flavors, and deviate from the traditional recipe.
4. Are there any alternatives to sliced tomatoes on Margherita pizza?
Yes, some variations of Margherita pizza may use crushed tomatoes, puréed tomatoes, or a combination of both.
5. What is the best way to cook sliced tomatoes for Margherita pizza?
To prevent sogginess, sliced tomatoes can be seasoned with salt and allowed to rest on paper towels before being added to the pizza.
