Piano strategico della PAC 2023 / 2027
Complemento regionale per lo Sviluppo – Rurale della Liguria
Cofinanziato dall’Unione Europea
SRG 10 – promozione dei prodotti di qualità. | Soggetto beneficiario: Consorzio tutela Basilico Genovese DOP | Autorità di Gestione CSR Liguria: politiche.agricole@regione.liguria.it – www.agriligurianet.it
When you buy pesto, would you like it to be made with traditional basil produced in Liguria ?
Would you like to buy a DOP pesto : does it exist or not?
Which is better: refrigerated or shelf-stable pesto? And which is better: ” Genoese pesto” or ” Genoese-style pesto”?
Would you like to know what is the soul of Genoese pesto that honors its tradition ?
Have you ever found yourself doubting the quality of the basil used to make the pesto you buy?
When faced with so many ready-made pesto labels on the market, have you ever wondered what the differences are?
Would you like to know how the pesto recipe was born and why in Genoa?
When you read “Pesto with Genoese Basil DOP” on the label, do you know what it means ?
When it comes to pesto, an informed choice makes all the difference!
Find out how to choose the best pesto and what must-haves to respect the Ligurian tradition .
Pesto is the second most consumed sauce in the world and a symbol of Made in Italy .
The soul of pesto is the presence of Genoese Basil DOP: the essential ingredient to honor the tradition and the “Ligurian flavor” of pesto, very different from “generic basil”.
The pesto recipe originated in Genoa in the 19th century, starting with a mixture of garlic and basil, that “zero km” basil grown in the Ligurian “fasce”, which, thanks to agricultural techniques and the local climate, acquires a unique tenderness and aroma , making it an essential ingredient for a pesto that respects tradition.
The “Basilico Genovese” DOP guarantees the provenance and traditional cultivation of Ligurian basil and its unique characteristics and is protected by the Protection Consortium.
Always check that the ingredients say “ Basilico Genovese DOP ” and not just “basil”.
The presence of Basilico Genovese DOP on the label indicates that all the basil used in the recipe is “Basilico Genovese DOP”: mixtures of Basilico Genovese DOP and “generic” basil are not permitted.
The percentage indicated next to the ingredient indicates the quantity of that ingredient present in the total ingredients of the recipe.
Pesto is not subject to a protection of origin (DOP, IGP, TSG) that defines its recipe at a regulatory level, therefore food companies can use any recipe .
Thanks to the wording “pesto with Genoese Basil DOP” it is possible to have evidence of the use of Genoese Basil DOP: this evidence is provided directly by the Protection Consortium which guarantees the exclusive use and traceability of the supplier of Genoese Basil DOP.
Therefore, choose the pesto you prefer, but make sure it contains Genoese Basil DOP to maintain the authenticity of the Ligurian tradition.
It’s important to know that there is currently no certified origin for the pesto recipe. Only Genoese basil has a certified origin .
Make sure you buy pesto from companies authorized by the Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP .
DOP products are created thanks to the desire of local producers to protect their typical product with a protection mark and to submit to the controls of the relevant bodies (such as the Carabinieri of the NAS or Repressione Frodi – ICQRF).
Today, pesto producers have not yet agreed on a set of specifications to obtain this type of protection, which is why pesto is not among the Ligurian products with a certificate of origin (PDO), while there is Genoese Basil DOP, which is also the only basil in the world with a DOP certification .
Since there is no protection of origin for pesto, the sales name of the product is a commercial decision of the manufacturing company , which can therefore associate any attribute with the word pesto – even territorial.
There is no “formal” association between the sales name and the recipe used, perhaps it is more likely that a pesto with a name that recalls Genoa or Liguria has a recipe close to the traditional one (to find out, click here), but this is not a guarantee.
In recent years, the quality of commercial pesto has improved significantly. Here are some key points to consider:
Tip: Choose products that highlight the use of Genoese Basil DOP to ensure an authentic flavor!
Learn more about Genoese Basil DOP and its role in the traditional Genoese pesto recipe.
Tricks and wonders of traditional Genoese pesto and Genoese Basil DOP .
Become an expert and follow the Basilico Genovese DOP community .