The History of Wood Fired Pizza, Right Here in Hico!

The history of wood-fired pizza is closely tied to the origins of pizza itself. Pizza, one of our favorite cheesy creations, in its most basic form, is a flatbread topped with various ingredients and cooked in an oven. Wood-fired ovens have been used for cooking for centuries, and they played a significant role in the evolution of pizza-and here at Buzzed Brumby we have created a tasty, crispy wood fired version that we are sure you will love!

Let’s jump right into the history of wood-fired pizza

1. Ancient Origins: The concept of baking bread on hot stones or in clay ovens dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These early ovens were typically fired with wood, which provided the necessary high temperatures for baking.
2. Naples, Italy: The modern pizza, as we know it, traces its origins to Naples, Italy. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Naples was a bustling and diverse port city. The working class needed an affordable and quick meal, and pizza emerged as a solution. These early pizzas consisted of a simple flatbread topped with ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil. These pizzas were traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens-much like ours we use at the shop daily!
3. Queen Margherita’s Influence: In 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples, and a local pizzaiolo (pizza maker) named Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza in her honor. This pizza featured the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil. This creation, known as the Margherita pizza, gained popularity and helped solidify the basic ingredients and aesthetics of traditional pizza. This recipe is a classic, and ours definitely embodies everything Esposito wished to accomplish-tasty, fresh vegetables, loads of mozzarella cheese and garden fresh basil-we literally grow it in the courtyard!
4. Migration and Globalization: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions, including pizza, to various parts of the world, thank you relatives!! In the United States pizza gained popularity among Italian communities in cities like New York and Chicago. The use of wood-fired ovens continued to be a common method of cooking pizza.
5. Industrialization and Diversification: As pizza’s popularity grew, so did the diversity of styles and cooking methods. In the mid-20th century, with the rise of fast-food culture, conveyor belt ovens and gas-fired ovens became more prevalent due to their efficiency. However, traditional wood-fired ovens remained popular among pizzerias that aimed to preserve the authentic Neapolitan style of pizza-later on the difference of wood fired vs Neapolitan style.
6. Revival of Wood-Fired Ovens: In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional cooking methods and artisanal foods. This has led to a revival of wood-fired ovens in pizza making. Many pizzerias and restaurants around the world have embraced wood-fired ovens for their ability to create a unique flavor and texture in pizzas. The Neapolitan-style pizza, often cooked in a wood-fired oven, has gained UNESCO recognition as part of Italy’s cultural heritage. Our pizza is no different, a step above the take and bake options you can get at the local grocery store, our dough is thin, crispy and toppings are fire roasted to perfection!

Wood-fired pizza ovens are celebrated for their ability to create high temperatures that produce a thin, crispy crust and a slightly charred, smoky flavor-which is why y’all keep coming back! We love the distinct flavors our oven adds to the pizzas, combining classic ingredients with even better tasting notes-Hico’s wood fired pizza and espresso bar is here to serve you the best! Be sure to make Buzzed Brumby your destination for lunch or dinner the next time you visit the Historic town of Hico, TX.