Zia Lucia launches cricket flour dough

In June, London-based independent pizzeria Zia Lucia will launch its 9th location in West Hampstead, bringing with it a brand-new dough made from cricket flour.

The first to launch in the UK, Zia Lucia’s new dough uses flour made from finely milled roasted crickets, lending a light and nutty flavour to the pizza base. The cricket dough will temporarily join Zia Lucia’s signature white flour, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal and gluten-free doughs. The flour will exclusively be available at Zia Lucia’s latest restaurant, opening in mid-June on West End Lane.

Needing little water, energy and land for farming and producing, crickets and other insects are fast gaining a reputation as sustainable ingredients. As well as helping the environment, crickets are also high in protein, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals, and also contain mostly unsaturated fat.

Group founders Gianluca D’Angelo and Claudio Vescovo are excited that the new dough will be launching at the brand’s latest venue. The 40-cover restaurant will feature outdoor seating and a dedicated bar serving Zia Lucia’s very own beer, Cabriole, as well as summery aperitifs, such as the Negroni, Hugo and Campari Spritz and specially selected wine and Prosecco from small Italian producers.

Zia Lucia’s menu will feature favourites such as the Andria Pirlo with mozzarella, gorgonzola, apple, truffle oil and olive pathe; the Chill(i) Out, with tomato, mozzarella, spianata spicy salami and fresh chillies; or the classic Centurione with tomato, mozzarella, Prosciutto Cotto and Parmigiano. The menu will also comprise a selection of authentic Italian starters, including burrata from Puglia, as well as salads and homemade desserts.

D'Angelo and Vescovo say: "We are excited to be taking the brand even further with an innovative new dough that is paving the way for the future, and where better than West Hampstead, an area close to our hearts, where we personally spend lots of our free time. It is also the ideal location for our brand and our ethos as it perfectly matches the relaxed neighbourhood feel that we want to convey. We are, as always, grateful to our customers and staff who continue to allow us to grow the brand Zia Lucia in a difficult time for the hospitality sector."

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