Finding its origins in Italy, pesto has garnered immense love in recent years. People across the world love dressing their spaghetti in pesto or using it as a spread for sandwiches and pizzas. But what is Pesto? What are its origins? Read on to find out!
Pesto comes from the Genoese word ‘pesta’, which means to pound or crush. Traditionally, pesto is made by crushing ingredients using an age-old method, which is by using a marble mortar and wooden pestle. The word pesto is actually used to describe anything that is made by pounding. And so, different variations of this bright green sauce are also known as pestos. Just like most food in Italy, pesto is also made differently, with varied ingredients in every Italian commune. Some of the different variations are:
Pesto Alla Genovese
This is considered as the classic and most popular pesto in Italy. Originating in Genoa, Pesto Alla Genovese is made using fresh Basil, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Pine Nuts, Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt and Pecorino Cheese. Italians love this pesto so much that a competition is held in Genoa every 2 years, where participants compete to make authentic Pesto Alla Genovese.
Pesto Alla Trapanese
Not the usual bright green colour, this Sicilian Pesto is made of almonds instead of pine nuts and is made with pachino tomato along with other usual ingredients used to make pesto. Pairing best with pastas like fettuccine, this version is creamier and nuttier than the original pesto.
Pesto Rosso
Another Sicilian variation, Pesto Rosso is made using Sun-Dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Sun-dried tomatoes are what gives it a beautiful red hue, and it tastes as good as it looks. Super easy to make, you can enjoy it as a dip or a sauce for your pastas. And if you don’t want to make it yourself, you can just order Sorrentina’s version of Pesto Rosso. Their authentic southern Italian style Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is made fresh everyday and is a must-have essential for your Italian pantry.
Pesto Agli Agrumi
If you’re someone who likes citrus flavours in your dishes, then this pesto is going to be your favourite. Using the same ingredients as the Genovese pesto, this refreshing creation is made with the addition of either lemon or oranges. Pesto Agli Agrumi is best enjoyed over a nice sunny Sunday brunch.
Fairly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, you can always make pesto at home. But in case you don’t enjoy cooking, you can buy pesto sauce online. For the authentic taste of pesto, you need to get your pesto from sources that make it fresh and stay true to Italian traditions. Sorrentina’s chefs, who are trained in Italy, make fresh batches of vibrant Basil Seed Pesto, using traditional Italian recipes and techniques, using only the best quality ingredients. Their pesto sauce price is not only pocket friendly, but it tastes great with pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and as a dip.
