Pesto alla Genovese
OLIVES ET AL
Eighteen years to make the pot of perfect pesto
Olives Et Al takes its food seriously and, for all of its 18 years as a food producer in Dorset, the perfect pot of pesto has been elusive. Until now.
Giles Henschel, founder of Olives Et Al, and a bit of a perfectionist as far as pesto goes, explains; “
Great pesto needs to have that sunshine warmth, fresh basil flavour, rustic crunchy texture and natural full-bodied green colour – or it simply does not pass muster. That’s a difficult thing to make and it may have taken us 18 years to get there, but at last we’ve finally achieved a knock out recipe and it’s been worth the wait! "
The new Olives Et Al Pesto alla Genovese (which on its label pays homage to the search with a big bold No 18!) is made with the best basil possible – from the fields of Albenga in the heart of the Ligurian region of Northern Italy.
“
We finally found an artisan producer in Ligurian who we are working in close partnership with to produce our new Pesto; they have generations of pesto making expertise and they really know their stuff. The pesto is crafted in the traditional way and the ingredients have been selected with all the care you’d expect from a family that are proud of what they make.”
In fact, 45% fresh basil is used in the new Pesto, along with whole pine nuts and 30 months-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a little sunflower oil.
“
This is a simple, authentic, pesto recipe using the best ingredients pounded together. The traditional method used results in a fresh basil taste and true basil colour with no bitter notes that are sometimes found in other pestos.”
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I have printed the publicity material above, because it’s relevant, and illustrates why this is such a quality product – which I find that it is.
The taste is excellent, enjoyable, and very evocative - transporting me back to holidays in Italy.
I was keen to try it so my first taste was simply on toast, which I loved. So then I used it with pasta, and it was perfect. This is the real McCoy!
Olives Et Al’s Pesto alla Genovese costs £4.25 for a 135g jar, from delis, farm shops and good food retailers and by mouse at www.olivesetal.co.uk