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Writer's pictureAlastair Hunt

Classic Italian Pesto, a Recipe for Herbs for Health

Updated: Apr 16

pesto recipe

Savour the essence of Italy with aromatic Pesto, a culinary masterpiece bursting with Italian flavors. Best known from the coastal region of Liguria and Genoa, pesto is made from a delightful fusion of fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and extra-virgin olive oil, this vibrant green sauce exudes a rich, aromatic charm.


A beloved condiment and pasta companion, pesto effortlessly elevates dishes with its bold and herbaceous profile. The aromatic basil and nutty undertones create a symphony of taste that enlivens pastas, sandwiches and more.


Who better than a Ligurian nonna (grandmother) to show us how...



What if you do not have access to handfuls of basil? There can be other 'pestos' to be enjoyed (although some Genovese might disagree!)...



As part of a nutritionally rich, whole health lifestyle, at The Whole Health Practice we advocate enjoying herbs (and spices) as a regular part of one’s diet. While some herbs (and their polyphenols) have shown positive results for specific health outcomes, enjoy a variety of herbs that work in synergy to promote maximum health. In common with traditional eating practices around the world, this is one the the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Don't let your creativity in the kitchen be confined, Cannot get bunches of basil? Make a version using other - local - green, leafy herbs. What about, say, using Thai basil?

With every spoonful let pesto transport us to the sun-kissed shores of Italy or beyond.


Ciao!


Alastair


  • And cannot resist a little opera while we cook... scroll down to access the Playlist.

  • A healthy diet addresses one of the pillars of health. What else can you focus on to maximise your health and longevity?

 

More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Read on for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

 
herbs health benefits

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Related Studies


Vázquez-Fresno R, Rosana ARR, Sajed T, Onookome-Okome T, Wishart NA, Wishart DS. Herbs and Spices- Biomarkers of Intake Based on Human Intervention Studies - A Systematic Review. Genes Nutr. 2019 May 22;14:18. doi: 10.1186/s12263-019-0636-8. PMID: 31143299; PMCID: PMC6532192.


Mackonochie M, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Mills S, Rolfe V. A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 22;15(23):4867. doi: 10.3390/nu15234867. PMID: 38068725; PMCID: PMC10708057.

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