At Pizzaiolo, we believe that the best pizza begins with the freshest ingredients. That's why we're passionate about incorporating seasonal produce into our menu, particularly during the bountiful summer months.
Why Seasonal Matters
Fruits and vegetables harvested at their peak naturally offer superior flavor, texture, and nutritional value. When tomatoes ripen under the summer sun, their sweetness intensifies. When zucchini is picked at just the right moment, it offers the perfect balance of tenderness and bite. These nuances make all the difference on a pizza, where every ingredient should contribute to a harmonious whole.
Beyond flavor, seasonal eating connects us to the natural cycles of our region and reduces the environmental impact of shipping produce across long distances. It also allows us to support local farmers who are the backbone of our food system.
"When you start with ingredients that are already bursting with flavor, our job as chefs becomes about highlighting what's already there rather than compensating for what's lacking." — Chef Sophia, Pizzaiolo Culinary Director
Our Farm Partners
Pizzaiolo has built relationships with over a dozen family farms across Canada. These partnerships allow us to source the highest quality seasonal produce while supporting sustainable agriculture in our communities.
Some of our key summer partners include:
- Sunshine Organic Farm (Kelowna, BC) — Providing us with heirloom tomatoes in varieties you won't find at supermarkets
- Green Meadows (Essex County, ON) — Supplying sweet bell peppers and zucchini
- Lavender Hill (Niagara Region, ON) — Growing our aromatic herbs including basil, oregano, and thyme
- Wild Blueberry Cooperative (Nova Scotia) — Source of the wild blueberries we use in our dessert pizzas
Summer Stars: Ingredients at Their Peak
During the summer months, these ingredients reach their absolute peak of flavor, and we showcase them in special limited-time offerings:
Heirloom Tomatoes (July-September)
Unlike conventional tomatoes bred for uniform appearance and shipping durability, heirloom varieties are prized for their exceptional flavor. Each variety offers its own unique profile—from the sweet, fruity notes of Yellow Brandywine to the rich, complex flavor of Cherokee Purple.
On our Heirloom Caprese pizza, we slice these treasures thin and arrange them in a colorful mosaic over a light base of garlic-infused olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and basil, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
Zucchini Blossoms (June-August)
These delicate orange flowers have a brief season and must be harvested by hand in the early morning. Their subtle, sweet flavor makes them a prized ingredient in Italian cuisine. We stuff them with a blend of ricotta, herbs, and a touch of lemon zest before placing them on our white pizza with fior di latte cheese and a light drizzle of honey.
Sweet Corn (July-September)
Canadian summer corn, picked at its peak sweetness, brings natural sugars and a satisfying texture to our Corn & Pancetta pizza. We pair it with smoky pancetta, creamy burrata cheese, chili flakes, and fresh basil for a combination that perfectly balances sweet, salty, creamy, and spicy notes.
Wild Blueberries (August-September)
Smaller and more intensely flavored than their cultivated cousins, wild blueberries make a surprising but delightful pizza topping. Our dessert pizza features these gems with mascarpone cream, honey, and lemon zest on our naturally leavened crust for a sweet finish to your meal.
Fresh Herbs (All Summer)
While dried herbs have their place, nothing compares to herbs harvested at their peak. Our summer pesto is made with basil picked that morning, preserving its aromatic oils and vibrant color. We also feature fresh mint, oregano, and thyme throughout our summer menu.
Summer Specials: Limited-Time Creations
Each summer, our chefs create special limited-time pizzas that showcase seasonal ingredients at their peak. Here are two of our most popular summer specials for 2023:
Creating Your Own Seasonal Pizza at Home
Want to capture summer's flavors in your own kitchen? Here are tips for creating a seasonal pizza that celebrates what's fresh at your local farmer's market:
Tips for Using Summer Produce on Pizza
- Consider water content: Summer vegetables like tomatoes and zucchini release moisture when cooked. Slice them thin and consider pre-roasting watery vegetables to concentrate flavors and prevent a soggy crust.
- Balance is key: Pair sweet summer produce with salty elements like cured meats, aged cheeses, or olives to create contrast.
- Don't overcrowd: With exceptional seasonal ingredients, less is more. Let each component shine rather than competing for attention.
- Add fresh herbs after baking: Preserve the vibrant flavor and color of delicate herbs by adding them after the pizza comes out of the oven.
- Think beyond tomato sauce: Consider olive oil, pesto, or even a light cream base to complement delicate summer flavors.
Sustainability Beyond Seasonality
Our commitment to seasonal ingredients is part of a broader sustainability initiative. By focusing on what's growing nearby, we reduce food miles and support regenerative farming practices. Several of our farm partners practice no-till farming, cover cropping, and other methods that build soil health and sequester carbon.
We also work to minimize food waste by using all parts of our produce. Tomato scraps become part of our sauce, herb stems flavor our oils, and vegetable trimmings are composted to nourish next season's crops.
Join Us in Celebrating Summer
We invite you to taste the difference that truly fresh, seasonal ingredients make. Our summer menu is available now through September, with specific offerings rotating based on what's at its peak each week.
For those interested in learning more about seasonal cooking, we offer monthly "Pizza Workshop" classes where our chefs demonstrate techniques for working with seasonal produce. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates.
