With the basil and tomato seasons in full swing, I have to write about a favorite pizza of mine: Pizza Margherita.

There’s a great story behind this Italian classic. In 1889, a chef in Naples, Raffaele Esposito, created the pizza to honor Queen Margherita of Italy. The queen had summoned him to the royal palace to bake a selection of pizzas. The Pizza Margherita became the popular queen’s favorite.

Here’s the kicker: The pizza – now a worldwide phenomenon – reflects the colors of the Italian flag. It’s topped with tomatoes (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green). I also understand Pizza Margherita was the first pizza topped with cheese.

In the recipe on our web site, you also top the pizza with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

This pizza is delicious and straightforward – as well as a piece of culinary history!

Bon appétit,

Claude S. Weiller
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
California Olive Ranch

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