Why they put pizza sauce to the edge of a pizza?

There are several reasons why pizza sauce is often put to the edge of a pizza:

Crust protection: Adding sauce to the edge of the pizza creates a barrier that prevents the crust from burning or drying out during the baking process. The sauce acts as a protective layer, ensuring that the crust remains soft and flavorful.

Enhanced flavor: Spreading the sauce all the way to the edge of the pizza allows for more surface area coverage, resulting in a more flavorful and consistent taste experience. Each bite, from the center to the crust, will have a balanced combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Uniform cooking: When the sauce reaches the edge of the pizza, it helps distribute heat evenly during baking. This ensures that the entire pizza cooks at the same rate, preventing undercooked or overcooked areas.

Aesthetic appeal: A pizza with sauce extending to the edge can create a visually appealing appearance, especially when combined with contrasting colors of cheese and toppings. It enhances the overall presentation of the pizza, making it more appetizing and inviting.

Structural support: In some cases, the sauce near the edge of the pizza can provide additional support to the crust, preventing it from sagging or collapsing under the weight of the toppings. This is particularly important for pizzas with a generous amount of heavy ingredients.

Textural contrast: The crispy crust and the soft, flavorful edge coated with sauce can provide an interesting textural contrast in each bite of the pizza. This variation in texture adds depth and complexity to the overall eating experience.

Cultural preferences: In certain pizza traditions, such as Neapolitan pizza, the sauce is typically applied up to the edge, creating a characteristic "crown" or "cornicione" around the pizza. This style is revered for its simplicity and adherence to traditional techniques.