National Pizza Day: A tribute to gastronomic heritage
Every February 9th, the world celebrates the soul of Italian heritage. For those wondering when National Pizza Day is, this date pays tribute not only to a dish but also to a tradition that combines technique, premium ingredients, and the pleasure of sharing.
The royal legacy: From Naples to the world
Pizza Day commemorates a technical evolution that began in the 18th century. Although it started out as a local dish, its status changed in 1889 when Queen Margherita asked to try the food of the common people, as she was tired of French haute cuisine. In response, chef Raffaele Esposito created a version that honored the Italian flag: red from tomatoes, white from mozzarella, and green from basil.
This “Pizza Margherita” defined the concept of sophisticated simplicity. Today, with more than 100 million pizzas consumed worldwide each year, this dish has transcended its origins to become part of the world of fine dining.
Enjoy an artisanal recipe at home
Bring the essence of a high-end Italian trattoria to your home. Discover this exclusive recipe from world-renowned master pizzaiolo Franco Pepe, perfect for your next gathering.
Ingredients (serves 4)
– 500 g Italian “00” Flour:
– 325 ml mineral water
– 10 g fine sea salt
– 3 g dry active yeast
– First-press extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
1. Hydration: Dissolve the yeast in water. Gradually incorporate the flour until the liquid is fully absorbed, creating a cohesive base.
2. Kneading: Work the dough until the surface is smooth and soft. This develops the gluten structure necessary for a light, airy crust.
3. 48-hour cold fermentation: The secret to professional-grade pizza is time. Rest the dough in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. This process ensures a deep flavor profile, an artisanal aroma, and a crust that is incredibly easy to digest.
4. Baking: Preheat your oven to its maximum setting. Bake at 480°F for approximately 10 minutes.
Tips for elevating the culinary experience
To make your next creation worthy of a magazine review, consider these tips:
- Less is more: Don’t overload the dough with ingredients. Each component should have room to shine.
- Critical temperature: Thermal shock is what creates the famous airy, crispy cornicione (crust).
- The finishing touch: Always add fresh basil and a drizzle of EVOO after removing from the oven, never before, to preserve its essential oils and vibrant color.
Fun facts
Pizza Day is also an opportunity to recognize the feats that this dish has inspired. Beyond traditional cuisine, pizza has broken physical and creative barriers.
On January 19th, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, Pizza Hut and YouTuber Airrack (Eric Decker) set the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest pizza. It had a surface area of 13,990 ft².
On the other hand, some chefs have experimented with unconventional ingredients when cooking. Preparations have been documented that include:
- 24-karat gold leaf.
- Alba white truffles
- Almas caviar from Iran.
- Reindeer meat and lobster poached in butter.
- The most popular pizza toppings are pepperoni, mushrooms, extra cheese, Italian sausage, and bacon.
Celebrate Pizza Day however you like!
Follow our artisanal recipe, experiment with flavors that defy convention, and, above all, share your experience.
