The Rich Origins of La Ruota's Hand-Crafted Pizzas

Few culinary delights are as universally cherished and celebrated as pizza, with its irresistible combination of crust, sauce, toppings, and cheese has captured the hearts and taste buds of diners around the globe. Among the diverse styles and interpretations of this iconic dish, Neapolitan pizza stands out as a true testament to the art of pizza making, showcasing the rich traditions, techniques, and ingredients that define its unique flavour and aesthetics. At La Ruota, we are proud to pay homage to this enduring culinary legacy, hand-crafting our artisan pizzas with the utmost care, passion, and attention to detail – bringing you an authentic Neapolitan dining experience with every mouthwatering slice.

In this blog post, we invite you to join us as we take a fascinating and illuminating journey into the captivating history of Neapolitan pizza. By uncovering the cultural, social, and gastronomical influences that have shaped the evolution of this remarkable style of pizza, we uncover the ancient techniques, regional variations, and dedicated families of artisans who have contributed to the making of La Ruota's exquisite stone oven-baked creations today. Spanning from the cobbled streets of Naples to the World Heritage List of UNESCO, this narrative sheds light on the deeply ingrained cultural touchstones embedded within each delicious morsel, revealing the true essence of Neapolitan pizza and its significance in our culinary traditions.

Armed with a renewed understanding of this beloved culinary icon, you'll be poised to fully appreciate the unparalleled levels of dedication, expertise, and artistry that are poured into each hand-crafted Neapolitan pizza crafted at La Ruota, allowing you to truly savour every last sumptuous bite. Buon viaggio!

Unravelling the Rich History of Neapolitan Pizza: A Journey Through Time

As we embark upon our exploration of Neapolitan pizza history, we'll uncover the remarkable milestones, significant events, and enduring traditions that have contributed to the development of the exquisite, artisan creations served at La Ruota.

1. The Humble Beginnings: Naples and the Birth of Pizza

The story of Neapolitan pizza begins in Naples, a bustling city nestled along the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast of Italy. It was here, during the 18th century, that the precursor to modern-day pizza was first conceived. At this time, Naples was a rapidly growing city fueled by an influx of working-class labourers seeking employment. These simple, yet hardworking folks were in need of quick, cheap, and satisfying meals, and pizza emerged as the ideal solution.

Using readily available ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, local bakers crafted simple flatbreads that offered a flavorful and nutritious source of sustenance. These original pies were often topped with no more than fresh, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and occasionally buffalo mozzarella, reflecting the purity and simplicity of the Neapolitan culinary ethos that would later come to define this iconic style of pizza.

2. The Royal Pizza: Margherita Puts Neapolitan on the Map

The next significant chapter in Neapolitan pizza history can be traced back to 1889 when an event occurred that would forever elevate the humble pie from the streets of Naples to the realm of royalty. It is said that during a visit to Naples, Queen Margherita of Savoy was presented with a special pizza created by Raffaele Esposito, a local pizzaiolo. In honour of the Queen, Esposito crafted a pie adorned with the colours of the Italian flag – red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil – resulting in a delectable, visually stunning creation that instantly captivated both the Queen's palate and heart.

This simple yet immensely symbolic gesture not only led to the eventual fame of the now-iconic Margherita pizza but also served as a catalyst for the international acclaim and appreciation for the art of Neapolitan pizza-making that would later unfold.

3. The Artisan Craft: Techniques and Traditions of Neapolitan Pizza

At the core of Neapolitan pizza history is a rich tapestry of techniques, traditions, and unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity. The key elements that define Neapolitan pizza – and indeed, the pizzas created at La Ruota – include:

- Dough: Neapolitan pizza dough is meticulously crafted using high-protein flour, fresh yeast, water, and salt. This simple combination of ingredients results in a tender, pliable dough that is easily stretched, allowing for the signature thin crust that is simultaneously crispy, chewy, and delicately soft.

- Toppings: In adherence to time-honoured Neapolitan tradition, only the finest, freshest ingredients are used to adorn these artisanal pizzas. From ripe, succulent tomatoes to creamy, velvety buffalo mozzarella, every element is carefully chosen to ensure optimal quality, taste, and harmony.

- The Oven: The stone oven is integral to the Neapolitan pizza experience, providing a smoky, charring effect that infuses each slice with an irresistible depth of flavour. Wood-fired ovens, like those used at La Ruota, have been a staple in the Neapolitan pizza-making process for centuries, and contribute to the stunningly unique, flame-kissed results.

4. Neapolitan Pizza Today: A Testament to Enduring Heritage

In recent years, Neapolitan pizza has emerged as a celebrated culinary icon, garnering international acclaim for its delicious, mouthwatering flavours and authentic, old-world charm. In recognition of the immense cultural and historical significance of this iconic pizza style, the art of Neapolitan pizza-making – known in Italian as "pizzaiuolo" – was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017, solidifying its status as an emblem of shared human heritage.

Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Neapolitan Pizza History

As we conclude our journey through the captivating history of Neapolitan pizza, we are left with a profound sense of respect and appreciation for the many hands, hearts, and minds that have contributed to the preservation and perpetuation of this timeless culinary treasure.

At La Ruota, we honour this rich legacy by continuing to handcraft our artisan Neapolitan pizza in Vancouver with the same passion, integrity, and devotion to authenticity as the generations before us. Through our unwavering commitment to upholding the traditions of Neapolitan pizza history, we are privileged to share a taste of this storied past with you and hope that it brings as much joy to your heart and your taste buds as it does to ours. Buon appetito!