- Genovese basil
Genovese basil is a
cultivar of "Ocimum basilicum " (sweet basil). It is one of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for use inpesto , the traditional genoese sauce.Genovese basil (in ligurian language "baxaicò" or "baxeicò") has also played a role in many cultures. In
Italy , it is considered a sign of love. Women who are ready to receive a suitor might put out a pot of basil as a sign of their willingness. InFrance , it is called "herbe royale" referring to the relation of its name with the greek "Basileos" (= King). It is widely mentioned in literature, such as inBoccaccio 'sDecameron .The very best genoese basil is said to be grown in Pra, a western delegation of the city of
Genoa , close to Cornigliano. The nearby presence of a largesteel mill from the 1950s to the 1980s threathened the cultivar, said to be necessary to produce the "real" genoesepesto , now the threat is mostly gone with the dismissal of the mill and the conversion of the remaining lines to less polluting productions. [cite web
url=http://www.superbherbs.net/GenoveseBasil.htm
title=Genovese basil
publisher=Sara's Super Herbs
accessdate=2007-01-03]References
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