Herb
Genovese
A tier
Genovese basil is the classic large-leaf sweet basil of Liguria, legally and culturally tied to pesto alla genovese. Leaves are tender, intensely aromatic with sweet-clove perfume, and bruise easily into green sauces. Tear into pasta at the last second; pound with pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil for pesto. Avoid high heat. PDO Genovese basil rules apply in Liguria—elsewhere grow true Genovese seed for closest flavour.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
AromaticCloveItalianLarge LeafPesto BasilSweetTender
History
IT
Genovese basil type was fixed in Ligurian kitchen gardens.
IT
Pesto tradition made Genovese the reference sweet basil.
IT
PDO recognition protected Basilico Genovese.
Global pesto culture spread Genovese seed worldwide.