What three colors, represented by specific toppings, symbolized the unified Italian flag on Pizza Margherita?
Answer
Red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil)
The specific pizza prepared for Queen Margherita in 1889 became legendary because its composition was deliberately patriotic, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag. The red color was achieved using the essential cooked tomato sauce. The white element was provided by mozzarella cheese, specifically noted as either *fior di latte* or *bufala*. Finally, the green was supplied by fresh basil leaves placed atop the cheese and sauce. This precise layering of tomato, mozzarella, and basil created a powerful national symbol from simple, core ingredients.

Related Questions
What specifically defines modern pizza distinguishing it from ancient Greek plakous?What was the name of the ancient Greek bread called that served as a flatbread precursor to pizza?Which specific group in Naples drove the adoption of the tomato into their staple flatbreads?What specific ingredient arrival marked the divergence point between ancient flatbreads and modern pizza?Who was the famous pizzaiolo that prepared pizza for Queen Margherita in 1889?What three colors, represented by specific toppings, symbolized the unified Italian flag on Pizza Margherita?Which organization rigorously dictates the standards for "True Neapolitan Pizza" today?What early topping was documented on Neapolitan flatbreads before the tomato topping became common?What did the Romans call their flatbread variations dressed with oil and herbs?When Queen Margherita supposedly tired of French cuisine, what style of food was typical of royalty she was served?What historical period saw Neapolitan commoners begin incorporating the tomato into their staple flatbreads?