Red, white, and green.
A simple yet striking Italian cold appetizer, with vibrant colors that catch the eye.
"Caprese"
The beauty of its appearance and the harmony of its ingredients truly embody the essence of "Italian-ness" in a single dish.
The Origin of the Name "Caprese"
The name "Caprese" is derived from **Capri Island** in the **Campania region of southern Italy**.
Since it originated on this island, it came to be known as "Capri-style" (or "Caprese"), and the name has since become established.
The Composition and Meaning of Caprese
Caprese iscomposed primarily of three key ingredientsripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
This color combination is not coincidental; it represents the **red, white, and green** of the Italian flag and is also a symbol of patriotism.
The simple seasoning of just olive oil and salt enhances the ingredients, embodying the essence of Italian cuisine, which respects and celebrates the quality of local produce.
For this reason, simplicity is key, and the "quality of the ingredients" has always been considered the most important aspect.
Origin and Spread of Caprese
There are several theories regarding its origin in historical literature, but...A widely accepted theory is that, during the 1920s in Italy,a period transitioning from a monarchy to a republic, the dish was created as a "symbolic national dish."
It is also said that the dish was created at a restaurant on the island of Capri, which was developing as a tourist destination, to offer foreign tourists a dish that would make them feel, "This is Italy!"
Eventually, due to its beautiful visual appeal and approachable flavor, it spread throughout Italy and eventually to the rest of the world.
Next time, we will introduce the surprising origins of the iconic Italian pasta dish "Carbonara." Stay tuned!
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