Genovese pesto

Description

Genovese pesto is a thick, emulsified sauce with an intensely green color and a distinct, fresh aroma of basil, highlighted by garlic, the nutty flavor of pine nuts, a salty hint of Parmesan, and a fruity note of olive oil. Its consistency is creamy, slightly oily, with small bits of herbs and nuts. Nutritionally, pesto provides healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and unsaturated components from nuts, vitamin K and A from basil, as well as protein and calcium from cheese; it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also calorie-dense and can contain a lot of salt, so it's worth controlling portions. Pesto pairs perfectly with pasta (e.g., trenette, trofie), as a spread for sandwiches, an addition to soups, a sauce for fish and poultry, and a dressing for salads and roasted vegetables. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight jar, with a thin layer of olive oil on top, for about a week; for longer storage, freeze portions in cubes for up to 2–3 months.