Tag: Neapolitan pizza

Did you know that a 2019 study on traditional Neapolitan pizza highlighted the health benefits of its simple, fresh ingredients, suggesting that Italian pizza is not the unhealthy food it is often perceived to be? The reality of whether Italian pizza is healthy for you depends heavily on the quality of ingredients and preparation method.

According to UNESCO, the traditional craft of Neapolitan pizza making was added to the list of intangible cultural heritage in 2017, celebrating a style of pizza with a notably soft and chewy crust. A soft pizza crust is typically achieved through high dough hydration, specific fermentation techniques, and high-temperature cooking methods. For those who prefer a less crunchy, more tender bite, several pizza varieties fit the bill, from classic Italian methods to American-style pan bakes.

According to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), the traditional Neapolitan pizza follows strict rules using minimal, high-quality ingredients. But is traditional Neapolitan pizza healthy, or is it just another indulgence? This article breaks down its nutritional value.

While most people consider pizza unhealthy junk food, traditional Italian pizza is rooted in the health-conscious Mediterranean diet. Focusing on fresh, quality ingredients, this ancestral dish offers a surprising number of nutritional benefits, challenging the common perception that all pizza is detrimental to your health.

According to nutritional data, a typical slice of classic Margherita pizza can contain anywhere from 200 to 250 calories. The precise number depends on several factors, including the size of the slice, the thickness of the crust, and the exact ingredients used by the pizzeria or recipe. Understanding how many calories are in an average slice of Margherita pizza can help you make more informed dietary choices.

A traditional Neapolitan pizza, specifically the classic Margherita, contains approximately 800 calories for the entire pie. In contrast, a half-cup serving of store-bought Neapolitan ice cream can contain as few as 120 calories. This substantial caloric difference makes understanding what kind of 'Neapolitan' you're consuming essential for accurate dietary tracking.

According to King Arthur Baking, their retail '00' Pizza Flour contains 11.5% protein, while their bakery and food service Type '00' flour has an 11.0% protein content. This protein level is key to producing the perfect Neapolitan-style pizza crust—crisp yet chewy—at home.

According to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), authentic Neapolitan pizza dough is made from wheat flour. This means that the classic and most celebrated form of Italian pizza is, in fact, crafted from wheat, though the specific type of flour is crucial.

In Italy, flour is graded by its fineness, and '00' is the most finely milled variety, resembling talcum powder. This fine milling is the primary benefit of 00 pizza flour, allowing for a superior, responsive dough that is the foundation of authentic Italian pizza.

According to a study reported on Facebook, traditional Italian pizza may reduce the risk of heart attacks due to its use of high-quality ingredients like olive oil and tomatoes. But what exactly makes authentic pizza from Italy healthier than many versions found elsewhere?