The process of throwing and spinning pizza dough in the air is known as "pizza tossing" or "pizza spinning." While it may appear to make the pizza crust bigger, it's important to note that the act of tossing the dough itself doesn't actually increase its size.
Instead, pizza tossing has several purposes and benefits:
Stretching the dough: When pizza makers toss the dough, they are stretching it in the process. This helps to evenly distribute the dough's elasticity and create a uniform thickness throughout the crust.
Aerating the dough: Tossing the dough can introduce air into it, which leads to the formation of air pockets within the crust. These air pockets contribute to a lighter, airier texture once the pizza is baked.
Achieving a round shape: By spinning the dough in the air, pizza makers can create a circular shape more easily. This spinning motion helps the dough to naturally stretch outward and form a round base for the pizza.
Enhancing the crust texture: Tossing the dough can also contribute to developing a desirable texture in the crust. The tossing action and resulting stretching of the dough can create a slightly chewy and crispy crust when properly baked.
It's worth mentioning that pizza tossing is a skill that requires practice and experience. Professional pizzaiolos (pizza makers) have honed their techniques over time to achieve the desired results. While it may seem like a showy technique, the primary purpose is to prepare the dough for optimal baking and to create a visually appealing pizza.