A light char on a pizza is something that many foodies hope to see on a restaurant pizza crust, as it adds a smoky flavor and provides visual proof of the pizza oven's high heat. However, diners who visit Olivella Restaurant in New Jersey have the chance to try a pizza with an all-black charcoal crust.
Salvatore Olivella observed the popularity of charcoal pizza crusts in Italy and decided to experiment with adding activated charcoal to his own crusts. As he says: "Activated charcoal has been used to treat poisonings for years, but only recently has it been added to food, drinks, and cosmetics. It is reputed to aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and absorb toxins in the body."
Although the pizza crust has a blackened look from the inclusion of charcoal, it simply boasts a darker color than the average pizza crust and does not have a burnt taste. At Olivella's, the charcoal pizza crust option is available for any of its 16 pizza types.
Charcoal Pizza Crusts
This Restaurant Pizza Crust Boasts Activated Charcoal as a Main Ingredient
Trend Themes
1. Charcoal-infused Food - Restaurants experimenting with using activated charcoal in various dishes, claiming its digestive and detoxifying properties.
2. Visual Appeal of Food - More chefs incorporating unique and visually striking ingredients to enhance the look and appeal of their dishes.
3. Health-focused Cuisine - Growing consumer interest in healthy eating habits spurring chefs and restaurants to develop dishes that prioritize wellness and nutrition.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurants - Opportunity for restaurants to innovate and experiment with unique and trendy ingredients to attract new customers and enhance the dining experience.
2. Food and Beverage Industry - Opportunity for food and beverage manufacturers to explore the use of ingredients with purported health benefits, such as activated charcoal.
3. Wellness Industry - Opportunity for the wellness industry to market and promote the purported health benefits of activated charcoal as an ingredient in food and drinks.