The Secrets of Pra: Home to the World’s Best Basil and Pesto

In the panoramic landscapes of Italy, where picturesque towns cling to hillsides and tradition lives in every cobblestone, there is a small region often overlooked by the average traveler. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the bustling port of Genova, the tiny locality of Pra proudly holds the title of being the birthplace of the world’s best basil and, consequentially, the most authentic pesto.

The Pra Gold: Basilico Genovese

The moment you step into Pra, you’re enveloped by the sweet, peppery aroma of Basilico Genovese. Unlike any other basil, the one cultivated here has smaller, tender leaves, a brighter green hue, and an unmistakable aroma that has made it sought after by chefs and connoisseurs worldwide. But what makes Pra’s basil truly unparalleled? It’s a harmonious combination of the region’s unique coastal climate, mineral-rich soil, and generations of skilled farmers who treat basil cultivation not just as a profession, but a cherished art form.

Crafting the Elixir: Pesto alla Genovese

While basil is the heart, pesto is the soul of Pra. This velvety green sauce, known as Pesto alla Genovese, is a testament to the simple luxury of combining just a few premium ingredients. In addition to the pristine basil, there’s extra-virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano cheese, all blended to a smooth perfection. Though you can find pesto on menus around the world, the one from Pra is a class apart. Its vibrancy and depth of flavor capture the very essence of the region, and eating it feels like a journey through the soul of Italian culinary heritage.

Genova and Pra- Home to the Best Pesto in the World!

Here we give you a recipe for classic pesto and explain why Genoa has the best Pesto in the world!

port of genova — Sea port of Genoa, famous for the best pesto

Classic Pesto Ingredients:

Basil leaves (60%)
Garlic (10%)
Pine nuts (15%)
Grated parmigiano reggiano cheese (10%)
Extra virgin olive oil (5%)
Pinch of sea salt

It’s no secret that Italy is renowned for its fresh, flavorful cuisine. From the mouth-watering pizza in Naples to the delectable pasta dishes of Rome, Italian food has something to offer all kinds of palettes. But what about those who are looking for something a little different, something truly spectacular? Well, a visit to Italy wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the country’s famous pesto recipes!

pesto and trofie — **Trofie pasta with pesto**

Liguria – Italy’s King of Pesto

If you’re looking for the best pesto in Italy, head to Liguria – home of the city of Genoa and its world-famous basil. Here you’ll find a wide variety of options from traditional recipes to more modern takes on this classic dish. Whether you prefer your pesto made with walnuts or a traditional Genovese recipe with pine nuts, Liguria is sure to have something that will tantalize your taste buds! Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, extra-virgin olive oil and salt. It’s no wonder that this savory combination of ingredients has become one of Italy’s most beloved dishes!

The birthplace of pesto is Genoa – a city in Northern Italy known for its exquisite cuisine and variety of flavors. For centuries, Genovese people have been perfecting their pesto recipes with local ingredients. Pra Genoa is renowned as the best terroir micro-climate for growing the perfect basil leaves to create the ideal pesto.

Pesto- Simple, fresh ingredients – dazzling flavour

As far as ingredients go, the most essential components of a typical pesto recipe are basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Tuscan Pecorino or Pecorino Romano and extra virgin olive oil. The basil should be very fresh and fragrant; it should also have good texture when pounded in a mortar & pestle. Garlic cloves contribute flavour but should still have some bite. Pine nuts which come from the Pinus Pinea species of Pine tree which grow along the verdant coast of Liguria will give the final result that crunchy texture and nutty flavrou everyone loves. Finally, extra virgin olive oil brings everything together and helps provide balance. For seasoned chefs looking for an adventure in cooking, making pesto from scratch is an undertaking worth attempting! If you’re after a delicious yet simpler version though, there are plenty of pre-made options available at local stores ready to turn into an instant classic on your dinner table. Be sure to choose the best quality ingredients if you want the end result to be truly scrumptious! Don’t forget — nothing beats homemade pesto when it comes to flavour and freshness! So why not try whipping up your own batch next time you feel like treating yourself (and friends!) with one of Italy’s most iconic delicacies?

Mortar & pestle for the best pesto

Making pesto in a traditional mortar and pestle is a delicious way to bring authentic Italian flavor to your kitchen! The pestle bruises the basil leaves, breaking open the veins of the leaves. This releases more flavour than the sharp blades of a blender. To start, you will need the traditional ingredients of basil leaves, garlic, pinenuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, extra-virgin olive oil and salt. Start by crushing the garlic cloves and pinenuts together in the mortar with a pinch of salt until they become a coarse paste-like consistency. Then add the basil leaves and grind them into the mixture with the pestle. Once the ingredients are well incorporated slowly begin adding small amounts of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Next, the extra virgin olive oil as you continue to stir with the pestle until it forms a creamy sauce. Buon Appetito!

Discovering the Charm with Artviva

At Artviva, we understand that luxury travel is not just about opulence; it’s about experiencing authenticity. With our bespoke travel packages, we invite you to unearth the secrets of Pra, meet the farmers, walk through the fragrant basil fields, and even attend a traditional pesto-making workshop. This is not just another culinary experience; it’s a rendezvous with history, culture, and the unparalleled passion of the Pra people.

Food Tours with Artviva

Sometimes, the most luxurious experiences are tucked away in the quiet corners of the world. Pra near Genova, with its world-renowned basil and pesto, is one such gem. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking genuine experiences, Pra promises a taste of Italy that will linger long after the journey ends. Book your Artviva luxury experience today and let the magic of Pra’s basil and pesto enchant your senses.