Churches, castles, entire cities and even sunsets over the sea: the list of UNESCO heritage it is infinite and includes a series of artistic and natural works that must be preserved for future generations. Last week another all-Italian wonder was added, indeed Neapolitan. We're talking about pizza and the noble art of pizza chef (or pizza chef).
UNESCO's decision
After years of battles, UNESCO has finally decided to consider Neapolitan pizza World Heritage Site. A historic milestone for Italy which sees one of its symbol dishes recognized as good to protect. It all happened last December 4th in Jeju, in South Korea, where the commission met to evaluate the various applications for inclusion in the UNESCO list. Between architectural works of absolute prestige and breathtaking landscapes, it is impossible not to notice that perfect combination of flour, sauce and mozzarella. Here then is the unanimous decision to enter pizza and all the culture linked to it among the terrestrial wonders.
The Neapolitan pizza enriches the series of typical products and diets considered a World Heritage Site. In fact, the list already includes the Mediterranean diet, French, Japanese and Mexican cuisine, Turkish Keskek, Korean Kimchi and Belgian beer. But what changes now?
The Neapolitan pizza heritage of humanity
In addition to the symbolic value, the inclusion of Neapolitan pizza as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will be able to preserve various aspects, including the economic and cultural one. It seems strange indeed, but many in the world are convinced that pizza is not an Italian product, but American. This is because over the years this belief has spread without anyone being able to deny it with official documents and certificates. Furthermore, it is one of the most counterfeited dishes on the planet, with numerous restaurants and chains that boast a pizza prepared according to tradition, without following even a single passage. Poor flours, poorly prepared doughs and improvised pizza chefs: in many countries there are thousands of pizzerias that pass themselves off as Neapolitan, without perhaps having ever had to deal with the Neapolitan city.
With the recognition of UNESCO all this will be more difficult, and the real Neapolitan pizza makers will be protected in some way. And the Italian economy will only benefit from it. The turnover that revolves around this delicacy is in fact only in the beautiful country, of 12 billion euros and beyond 60 billion in the rest of the world. It is estimated that in Italy there are as many as 200 thousand people working in the sector, churning out every day 8 million pizzas.
Impressive numbers that show the world the importance of a product capable of being loved by anyone. And now deservedly entered among the best works ever made by man.
