Neapolitan pizza is a timeless classic, beloved for its thin, soft crust, simple toppings, and bold flavours. But what truly sets it apart? The answer lies in the quality of its ingredients. At The Pizza Van, we’ve mastered the art of Neapolitan pizza by sticking to its roots: using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to create pizzas that are as authentic as they are delicious.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to uncover why fresh ingredients are the secret to achieving Neapolitan perfection—and why they’re at the heart of everything we do.
1. It All Starts with the Dough
The dough is the foundation of any great pizza, and Neapolitan pizza is no exception. The hallmark of a perfect Neapolitan crust is its light, airy texture with just the right amount of chew. Achieving this starts with:
- Freshly milled flour: Using finely ground “00” flour ensures a soft, elastic dough perfect for hand-stretching.
- Natural fermentation: Allowing the dough to rise slowly over 24 hours develops its flavour and texture without any artificial enhancers.
- Clean ingredients: With just flour, water, salt, and yeast, simplicity is key—but only if each ingredient is of the highest quality.
Fresh dough creates a crust that serves as the perfect base for your toppings, complementing rather than overpowering the flavours.
2. The Vibrancy of Fresh Tomatoes
When it comes to Neapolitan pizza, the tomato sauce isn’t just a topping—it’s the soul of the pizza. That’s why we insist on:
- San Marzano tomatoes: Grown in the volcanic soils of Italy, these tomatoes are naturally sweet, tangy, and low in acidity, making them the gold standard for authentic pizza sauce.
- Fresh preparation: Our tomatoes are minimally processed to retain their natural flavour and vibrant colour.
By starting with fresh, high-quality tomatoes, we create a sauce that’s bursting with flavour and enhances every bite.
3. Fior di Latte: The Creamiest Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a defining feature of Neapolitan pizza. At The Pizza Van, we use:
- Fior di Latte mozzarella: Made from fresh cow’s milk, it melts beautifully and adds a creamy, delicate flavour.
- Minimal handling: By using mozzarella fresh from the source, we preserve its texture and taste without unnecessary additives.
The quality of the cheese makes all the difference, turning every slice into a luxurious experience.
4. The Power of Fresh Herbs
No Neapolitan pizza is complete without a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. This humble herb adds a fragrant aroma and a pop of green that ties all the ingredients together. We use:
- Locally grown basil: Picked fresh to ensure its vibrant flavour shines through.
- Whole leaves: To retain maximum freshness and prevent bitterness.
Fresh herbs elevate the entire pizza, creating a harmony of flavours that’s unmistakably Neapolitan.
5. Local and Seasonal Toppings
While traditional Neapolitan pizzas are simple, we love to celebrate local and seasonal ingredients in our menu:
- Local produce: From Welsh leeks to tangy Caerphilly cheese, incorporating regional ingredients adds a unique twist to our pizzas.
- Seasonal specials: Rotating toppings like asparagus in spring or wild mushrooms in autumn ensure our pizzas are always fresh and exciting.
By combining Italian tradition with local Welsh ingredients, we create a menu that’s both authentic and innovative.
6. Sustainability Through Freshness
Using fresh ingredients isn’t just about flavour—it’s also about sustainability. At The Pizza Van, we’re committed to:
- Sourcing locally: Reducing food miles by working with local suppliers.
- Minimising waste: Fresh produce means less reliance on processed ingredients with long shelf lives.
- Eco-friendly practices: By prioritising fresh and natural products, we reduce our environmental footprint while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Fresh ingredients benefit not only your plate but also the planet.
Conclusion
At The Pizza Van, we believe that great pizza starts with great ingredients. By prioritising freshness and quality, we honour the Neapolitan tradition while bringing our own unique flair to the table. Whether it’s the aroma of fresh basil, the creaminess of Fior di Latte, or the natural sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes, every bite of our pizza is a celebration of simplicity and authenticity.
Ready to taste the difference fresh ingredients make? Book The Pizza Van for your next event or visit one of our pop-up locations across South Wales. We’ll bring the magic of Neapolitan perfection to you!
