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Authentic Italian Pesto

Pesto, the Italian word for “crush”, is a sauce that originated in the 16th century in the city of Genoa in northern Italy. 
Pesto, the Italian word for “crush”, is a sauce that originated in the 16th century in the city of Genoa in northern Italy. Originally prepared using a mortar & pestle combining basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino, today pesto comes in a variety of different flavor combinations. As we celebrate all things Italian this month, we are excited to feature a variety of pesto, some traditional and some more modern flavor varieties. 

Anfosso: Anfosso is a family-owned company that has been making handcrafted Italian products since 1945 in the Ligurian tradition.   

  • Sundried Red Pesto: Featuring peeled sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh DOP Genovese Basil, Grana Padano cheese and pine nuts. The intense aroma, bright, red color and sweet taste of this pesto make this a great choice for pasta, meat dishes, and sandwiches. 
  • Basil Pesto: Created with DOP Genovese Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, and Grana Padano Cheese. Earthy, yet bright, this pesto is perfect tossed with pasta and spread on paninis. 
  • Sage Pesto in EVOO: Made with sage and extra virgin olive oil, this is a more earthy and slightly peppery alternative to the more traditional basil pesto. Incredibly versatile and delicious, this would be delicious on crostini or pasta or used in meat or fish dishes. 

Frantoi Cutrera: The Cutrera family has been producing high-quality olive oil, spreads, and pesto in Sicily, Italy since 1906 and is still family-owned today. Featuring:  

  • Pesto and Bruschetta A blend of red pesto and Hyblaean wild fennel, sun-dried tomato, almonds, chili, Sicilian tomato sauce & sea salt, and Frantoi Cutrera’s Gran Cru Tonda Ibea EVOO. Perfect for bruschetta or as a pasta sauce 
  • Sicilian Basil Pesto: This is a classic basil pesto with a Sicilian touch and rich flavor. Delicious on eggs, as a pizza sauce, or for an appetizer plate.  
  • Sicilian Pistachio Pesto: This is a unique pesto with a wonderful mix of flavors. The pistachio is complimented by the nutty flavor of almonds and hints of nutmeg and pepper.  

La Favorita: Established over 60 years ago in the Piedmont Region of Italy, La Favorita is devoted to producing regional gastronomic delights using only the best and natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods and recipes. Their plant-based pesto features a blend of olive oil, cashews, pine nuts, and fresh basil from Liguria and embodies the full flavor of Italy.  

Radici of Tuscany & I Peccati di Ciacco: Both imports of Ritrovo Italian Regional Foods, these two brands embody authentic Italian pesto.  

  • Tuscan Kale Pesto: This vegan pesto is made from Tuscan black kale, EVOO, almonds, pine nuts, and local spices. 
  • Tuscan Basil Pesto: A rich & versatile vegan pesto made with Arno Valley basil, EVOO, pine nuts, salt, and garlic.  
  • Ligurian Basil Pesto: This basil-packed pesto is made with Ligurian basil from the Italian Riviera, EVOO, pine nuts, cheese, salt, garlic, and wine vinegar. 
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