Applications for inclusion in the World Heritage of Humanity will soon be submitted to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. This is an opportunity for each UN country to highlight a part of its history, culture, architecture, and… its cuisine!
For the first time, a country will try to include a culinary art in the World Heritage of Humanity. That country is Italy, and the heritage is Pizza, whose craftsmanship Italy wants to protect.
This decision actually dates back to 2015, but due to the complexity of the case, it was not retained at the time.
Yes, Pizza, but not just any pizza: the “Margherita” (with an H and not a U), being the most classic pizza in Italy, which also has the simplest composition: tomato, mozzarella, basil, salt, and olive oil. Nothing more, nothing less.
The dossier will be submitted during the year, and UNESCO will deliver its verdict in 2017.
Italy is embarking on this unprecedented endeavor in UNESCO’s history to protect its culinary heritage. Pizza, known worldwide, is also under threat: its simple base allows for all sorts of variations, and each country has created its own recipes.
To such an extent that the United States has hinted they might also apply to have their pizza, which is completely different from the Italian one, included in the World Heritage.
That would be a disgrace for Italy, so they have rightly taken the lead.
