By Kenny Dunn
Italians love family, gelato, pasta, coffee, wine, and, of course, pizza. They love pizza so much, they even have a saying for it. It goes something like, “Non si vive di solo pane, ma anche di pizza.” That means, “One doesn’t live by bread alone, but also by pizza.”
So, how does an American pizzeria make authentic Italian cuisine? It all boils down to Italian ingredient sourcing.
Authentic Italian food is about delivering flavors that transport diners to Italy. It’s not just about following tradition. It’s using specific Italian ingredients to capture the unique flavor of a true Neapolitan pizza. So American pizza businesses that want to replicate these timeless flavors need to source wisely in order to stand out in an overcrowded market. That will attract customers who value authentic Italian flavors.
Begin with examining Italy’s diverse food scene in depth before sourcing ingredients. It’s a great place to start learning about the importance of using real foods.
Crucial Components of Real Italian Pizza
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making an Italian pizza. The following are some essential components that distinguish authentic Italian pizza:
1. San Marzano tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes grow in Mount Vesuvius’ volcanic soils. They are prized for their low acidity and sweet, rich flavor. To assure their authenticity, these tomatoes are sometimes labeled DOP, which stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta. San Marzano tomatoes are the foundation of traditional pizza sauce. To ensure quality, U.S. pizzeria owners should seek DOP-certified tomatoes.
2. Italian flour (Tipo “00”): Italian Tipo “00” flour is famous for its high gluten and fine texture. This type of flour gives pizza dough its elasticity and helps create the light, airy crust that many pizza lovers adore. It is often used in classic Italian pizza recipes.
3. Extra virgin olive oil: Pizza dough and toppings taste better when premium extra virgin olive oil is used. Ligurian and Tuscan EVOOs, in particular, are well known for their peppery and fruity flavors that enhance any meal. To preserve the intended flavor, U.S. pizzeria operators should use genuine, cold-pressed oils.
4. Mozzarella di Bufala and Pecorino Romano: A mainstay of Neapolitan pizza is mozzarella di Bufala. Made from water buffalo milk, its acidic flavor and creamy texture balance the tomato sauce’s depth. Sprinkling Pecorino Romano, a salty, bitter sheep’s milk cheese, on hot pizza adds flavor. It is complex and delicious.
How to Find Real Italian Ingredients for American Pizzerias
This can be hard. However, you can find authentic Italian ingredients in the U.S. with the right tactics. Here are some pointers to finding the best ones and ensuring that you’re giving your clients the authentic Italian flavor.
Partner with reputable importers. Make connections with trustworthy distributors and importers that focus on Italian goods. Businesses that specialize in Italian imports can supply genuine ingredients. These include San Marzano tomatoes, Italian olive oils and gourmet cheeses. To ensure authenticity, find suppliers with a proven history of delivering premium products. Also, look for certificates like DOP and IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta).
Explore local Italian specialty stores. In many U.S. cities, Italian specialty stores and markets offer a range of authentic products. Visiting these shops can provide insight into ingredient quality. They also allow you to sample items before purchasing in bulk. Building a relationship with store owners is always a good idea. It also helps you secure a regular supply of high-quality ingredients.
Purchase straight from Italian manufacturers. Some Italian farms and producers can ship their preserved meats, olive oils and artisanal cheeses worldwide. Although the cost of this choice may be higher, the quality may be unmatched, and you can price your pizzas accordingly.
Use online platforms for sourcing Italian ingredients. Online marketplaces connect American firms with Italian manufacturers. Pizzeria owners can find unique products not available from local vendors. Websites like Eataly and Gustiamo sell genuine Italian goods. They ship everything from flour to canned tomatoes right to your door.
Confirming the Authenticity of Ingredients
It is crucial to make sure the ingredients you use are authentically Italian. When confirming the legitimacy of your supplies, adhere to these standard practices:
Look for DOP and IGP certifications. As previously mentioned, DOP and IGP certifications ensure that a product is produced using traditional techniques. It also confirms they come from a certain area of Italy. DOP-certified mozzarella, for instance, must come from certain areas in Italy, which ensures its authenticity and quality. These certifications are a trustworthy sign of authenticity when sourcing ingredients.
Check supplier reputation and reviews. Investigate a supplier’s reputation in-depth before choosing them. Ask vendors about their sourcing. But don’t just stop there. Also, look for reviews from past clients and get referrals from other pizzeria owners. A trustworthy supplier will be happy to share details about where their goods come from.
Build a relationship with suppliers. A strong association with your suppliers can guarantee a steady supply of authentic ingredients. When suppliers know your needs, they are more likely to give you their best products.
Italian recipes alone won’t bring real Italian flavors to your U.S. pizzeria. You must also source the right ingredients. To make a pizza that captures Italy’s flavor, be authentic. Use high-quality ingredients, from the flour in your dough to the olive oil on top. In this way, you will attract customers who value authentic Italian food.
You can go a bit further and review additional Italian cuisine guides for more details on cooking customs. Exploring Italy’s rich culinary culture helps you add authenticity to your pizzeria.
Kenny Dunn, founder of Eating Europe, discovered his passion for cuisine while living in Rome, introducing travelers to local eateries and culinary personalities. What began as casual strolls evolved into Eating Italy Food Tours in 2011, soon expanding to multiple cities as Eating Europe. Kenny and his growing team continue to share the taste of local life and unforgettable food stories across the continent.
