When it comes to making a delicious pizza, having the right tools is essential. One of the most important tools for baking a perfect pizza is a pizza shovel. But have you ever wondered what is a pizza shovel actually called?
The name for a pizza shovel is actually a pizza peel. A pizza peel is a long-handled tool that is used to slide the pizza in and out of the oven. It typically has a flat, wide paddle at the end, which allows you to easily transport the pizza from the oven to the serving surface.
The pizza peel is an essential tool in professional pizzerias and is also widely used by home cooks who want to recreate that authentic pizzeria taste. It helps to prevent the pizza from sticking to the oven or stone, and it allows you to easily maneuver the pizza while it’s baking.
Using a pizza peel requires some skill and practice, as it requires you to quickly and smoothly slide the pizza off the paddle and onto the hot oven surface. But once you master the technique, you’ll be able to achieve that perfect crispy crust and gooey cheese that we all love in a good pizza.
The Origin of the Pizza Peel
The pizza peel, also known as a pizza shovel or a pizza paddle, has a long history that dates back to ancient times. It is a tool that is essential in the process of making and baking pizzas. Let’s explore the origin and evolution of this iconic kitchen tool.
Ancient Origins
The use of a wooden peel can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Babylon, where flatbreads were a staple food. These flatbreads were cooked in mud ovens, and a wooden tool was used to move them around and take them out of the oven. The concept of the pizza peel then spread across the Mediterranean to ancient Greece and Rome.
Evolution in Italy
Italy is widely recognized as the birthplace of pizza as we know it today, and it is also where the pizza peel was refined and evolved. In Naples, the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, the pizza peel became an essential tool in the traditional wood-fired pizza ovens. The long handle allowed pizzaiolos (pizza chefs) to safely place and retrieve pizzas from the hot oven without getting burned.
Over the centuries, the design of the pizza peel has remained relatively unchanged. The main difference lies in the materials used. Ancient peels were made of wood, but as technology advanced, metal and aluminum peels became popular due to their durability and ease of use.
Modern Usage
Today, the pizza peel is still widely used in pizzerias and home kitchens around the world. It is an indispensable tool for transferring pizzas in and out of hot ovens, ensuring that they are perfectly cooked and evenly baked. The long handle allows for easy handling and maneuverability, and the flat surface of the peel is ideal for sliding the pizza onto a pizza stone or baking surface.
In conclusion, the pizza peel has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. It has played an important role in the development and perfection of pizza making techniques. Whether you use a wooden, metal, or aluminum pizza peel, this tool remains a symbol of the art and tradition of pizza making.
The history of pizza peels
Pizza peels, also known as pizza shovels or pizza paddles, have been an essential tool in the art of pizza making for centuries. These long-handled wooden or metal devices are used to slide the pizza into and out of the hot oven, making them a vital part of the pizza-making process.
The pizza peel has its roots in ancient civilizations, where flatbreads were baked on hot stones or in clay ovens. In these early times, there were no specific tools designed to transfer the dough in and out of the oven. Instead, primitive tools like flat wooden boards or even bare hands were used to handle the dough and move it into the fire.
As pizza evolved and gained popularity in Italy, the need for a more specialized tool became evident. The pizza peel, as we know it today, started to appear during the 18th century, especially in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. These early peels were made from wood and had long handles, allowing pizzaiolos to safely reach the back of the oven without getting burned.
During the 19th century, pizza peels became more standardized and were widely used in pizzerias throughout Italy. They were typically made from beechwood or metal and featured a wide, flat surface with a thin edge to easily slide under the pizza. These peels were durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for busy pizzerias.
With the influx of Italian immigrants, pizza gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, the use of pizza peels spread beyond Italy and became a common tool in American pizzerias as well. To this day, pizza peels continue to be an essential tool in the pizza making process, both in commercial settings and at home.
The different types of pizza peels
There are various types of pizza peels available today, each serving a specific purpose in the pizza-making process.
Wooden pizza peels
Wooden pizza peels are the most traditional type and are still widely used. They are typically made from hardwood, such as beechwood or maple, which is durable and resistant to warping. Wooden peels are gentle on the dough and can help create a crispy crust.
Metal pizza peels
Metal pizza peels are often made from aluminum or stainless steel. They are thinner and more lightweight compared to wooden peels, making them easier to maneuver. Metal peels are great for transferring the pizza quickly and efficiently, especially in high-volume pizzerias.
| Type | Material | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden | Hardwood (beechwood, maple) | Durable, gentle on dough, helps create a crispy crust |
| Metal | Aluminum or stainless steel | Lightweight, great for quick and efficient transfers |
Pizza peels in modern times
Pizza peels, also known as pizza shovels, have been a staple tool in the pizza making process for centuries. Traditionally made from wood, these long-handled paddles were used to transfer pizza dough into and out of wood-fired ovens.
However, in modern times, pizza peels have undergone some changes. While wooden peels are still widely used, other materials such as aluminum and stainless steel have gained popularity due to their heat resistance and easy-to-clean properties.
Today, pizza peels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, catering to different types of pizza and personal preferences. Some peels have a flat surface, while others have perforations to allow excess flour or moisture to fall through. Some peels even have a beveled edge, making it easier to slide the pizza onto the oven’s surface.
Moreover, advancements in technology have led to the development of electric pizza peels, which eliminate the need for manual handling. These automated peels use rotating blades to pick up and transfer the pizza in and out of the oven, reducing the risk of burns and promoting efficiency in commercial settings.
Regardless of the material or design, pizza peels continue to be an essential tool in the pizza-making process. Their versatile nature and ability to withstand high temperatures make them a valuable asset in both professional kitchens and home kitchens, ensuring that every pizza comes out of the oven perfectly baked.
Types of pizza peels
A pizza peel, also known as a pizza shovel or paddle, is an essential tool used in baking and transferring pizzas in and out of the oven. While the design and materials of pizza peels may vary, they all serve the same purpose.
Wooden pizza peels: These are the most traditional and commonly used type of pizza peels. They are typically made of wood, such as maple or birch, and have a long handle for easy maneuvering. Wooden peels are prized for their ability to absorb excess flour and moisture, which prevents sticking. They give pizzas a rustic look and are a favorite choice among home bakers and pizzerias.
Metal pizza peels: Metal pizza peels are made of aluminum or stainless steel, which makes them lightweight and durable. They are often used in commercial settings, such as pizzerias or restaurants, due to their reliability and ease of cleaning. Metal peels do not absorb moisture like wooden peels do, which can be an advantage when working with wet dough or moisture-rich ingredients.
Composite pizza peels: Composite pizza peels are a modern option that combines the features of wood and metal peels. They are Made from a combination of wood and fiberglass or resin, which provides sturdiness and durability. Composite peels are often heat-resistant and dishwasher safe, making them a popular choice among professional bakers and home cooks alike.
Perforated pizza peels: Perforated pizza peels are designed with small holes or slots in the blade, which allows air to circulate underneath the pizza during baking. This helps to achieve a crispy crust by preventing the dough from becoming soggy. These peels are particularly useful when baking Neapolitan-style pizzas or pizzas with thin crusts.
Long-handled pizza peels: Long-handled pizza peels are ideal for deep ovens or large baking surfaces. They have an extra-long handle, often extending up to 4 feet, to keep the baker’s hands safely away from the heat. These peels offer greater control when placing the pizza in the oven and removing it afterward.
Short-handled pizza peels: Short-handled pizza peels, also known as personal peels, are smaller in size and have a shorter handle. They are designed for home ovens or smaller baking spaces. These peels are easier to maneuver and store, making them perfect for home use or small-scale baking.
In conclusion, there are various types of pizza peels available, each with its own unique features and benefits. The choice of peel depends on personal preference, the type of pizza being baked, and the baking environment. Whether you prefer a traditional wooden peel or a modern composite one, having a pizza peel in your kitchen will enhance your pizza baking experience.
