Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana
What is VPN?
According to the fornbravo.com website:
“Vera Pizza Napoletana is a movement whose goal is to promote and protect the name and the product Pizza Napoletana; a style of pizza and tradition found in Naples.
Simply put to be VPN certified you need a wood burning oven, proper ingredients and proper technique.
VPN Certification takes dedication and commitment. You must take a class and pass a test. You must adhere to the strict rules and regulations to be VPN certified. This certification is not for everyone. The Association was formed in the 80’s as a way to preserve and continue with the rich tradition only found in Neapolitan Pizza.
Paquale and and Mario
I was able to speak with two pizza experts who explain the meaning and goals of VPN. Pasquale Illiano is the owner of Pasquale’s in Wakefield Rhode island and Mario Vallera is an instructor and part of the Association of VPN Americas which has a school in Inglewood, California.
A Pasqule’s Pizza
The tools for being certified are very important. You need to have a wood fired oven, which strictly adhere’s to the guidelines. Here is the oven at Pasqule’s:
Pasquale’s Oven
You also need to use only top quality ingredients for all of your pizza. For example the type of flour you use is critical.
Crust at Pasqule’s
For example Caputo Flour is a type of flour used when making Neapolitan Pizza.
This is extremely important as there are very specific rules and regulations to what actually makes an authentic Neapolitan Pizza.
You also need to use a specific technique when you make your pizza.
Here is the video interview with experts, Pasquale and Mario:
Here is more information about the resources mentioned:
Pasquale”s
60 South County Commons Way
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Here is information about VPN Americas
VPN Americas
AVPN official delegation for USA, Canada and Central America
Here is an extensive list of VPN America Members
“Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana is an international organization officially established on June 1984 by a group of Neapolitan people representing some of the oldest families of pizza makers and the most famous Neapolitan pizzerias.”
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