Pizza Margherita Pizza Margherita Pizza Margherita is a typical Neapolitan pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, fresh basil, salt and extra-virgin olive oil. A widespread belief says that in June 1889 the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito, Pizzeria Brandi's chef, invented a dish called ""Pizza Margherita" in honor of the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, and the Italian unification, since toppings are tomato (red), mozzarella (white) and basil (green), representing the same colors of the national flag of Italy. The legend of pizza Margherita is considered a false history, as a pizza made with the same toppings was already
Pomodorino di Manduria of San Pietro in Bevagna and Campomarino, the tomatoes are cultivated without the need for irrigation, while in the inland called ""Terre rosse", two-three irrigation operations are needed in June. Tomatoes are eaten fresh during summer with friselle or in salads with the barattiere di Manduria. Another use is for the production of the homemade tomato sauce or for making the dried tomatoes in oil. The main typical recipe is the "Jatedda", a salad with fresh tomatoes, garlic, "Terra d'Otranto" extra-virgin olive oil, salt, capers and oregano; usually it is served with slices of homemade dry bread. The Italian Ministry