Some things just get better with age—cheese, wine, whisky… and yes, pizza dough.
At Elemental Pizza, we ferment our dough for a minimum of three days (and up to five) to unlock its full flavor potential and give it the light, airy texture our guests love.
Here’s why that extra time makes a big difference in every bite.
What Is Fermentation?
In case you missed that high school lesson on how yeast works to ferment bread, fermentation is the process of using yeast (sometimes another bacteria) for a chemical process to transform the product in some way.
This is what gives our dough:
Lightness and airiness
Chewy yet crisp texture
Deep, complex flavor
And yes—we do it all in our walk-in fridge, not out in the open air. The cold, slow fermentation process develops flavor gradually, without overproofing the dough.
---> Related Reading: Why Everything at Elemental is Handmade
Why 3 to 5 Days?
We’ve tested dozens of timelines—and the sweet spot for both flavor and texture is three to five days. Here’s what that does:
- Better texture: Enzymes in the flour break down gluten slowly, creating a dough that’s smooth and easy to work with.
- Enhanced flavor: Natural sugars develop over time, giving the crust a subtle tang and deeper complexity.
- Perfect performance: The dough stretches easily, cooks evenly, and comes out just right from our wood-fired oven.
Curious about the flour we use? Learn more about our locally sourced, high-quality flour.
The Science Behind the Crust
Fermentation isn’t just about taste—it affects the structure of the dough itself. As enzymes unlock starches and proteins, the dough becomes more elastic, better at trapping air, and easier to shape.
The result? A crust that’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with character.
Taste the Difference
We age every batch of dough because we believe it matters. So the next time you enjoy one of our wood-fired pizzas—whether it’s a Truffled Mushroom, a Margherita, or a Crispy Salami & Hot Honey—know that the crust beneath it has been treated with care and time.
Stop by one of our locations to try it for yourself:
--> University District: 2634 NE University Village St, Seattle, WA
--> Columbia: 701 5th Ave. Suite 300, Seattle, WA
Want to explore our full lineup of thoughtfully made pizzas? Check out the Elemental Pizza menu.
