Genoese Basil DOP

Genoese Basil DOP

Genoese Basil DOP is cultivated along the coastal slopes of Liguria. An ancient plant with many properties and an unmistakable flavour, basil is one of the symbols of Ligurian gastronomy. The strong connection between the territory and the characteristics of the product is attributed to the unique microclimate and, above all, to the traditional cultivation on natural soil.

Insights

Basil is a small plant native to Asia Minor that has travelled a long way before arriving in our region. Introduced to Europe centuries ago, it has made Liguria and Provence its favoured territories. Only in these hills has basil found the perfect environmental conditions to develop organoleptic qualities unlike anywhere else. Its leaves hold the unmistakable scent of the sea and salt, containing essential oils that give it its unique and distinctive fragrance.

Features

The seeds used for the production of Basilico Genovese DOP must belong to the species Ocimum basilicum L. and must have the following characteristics:

  • Plant height ranges from medium to very tall, with an expanded or cylindrical shape
  • Leaf density must be classified in the intermediate expression classes (medium-low, medium, medium-high) and not in the extreme classes (low or high)
  • Leaf shape is elliptical
  • The lamina's edge is either absent or very weakly or weakly indented, with a flat or convex leaf blade
  • There must be a complete absence of mint aroma, with a strong and characteristic aroma

For more information, visit the website of the Consorzio del Basilico Genovese D.O.P.

How it's made

Basil must be marketed fresh. The entire plant is packaged in bunches, with at least two pairs of true leaves (specifically, one pair of fully extended true leaves and the second in the process of formation) and, at most, four pairs of true leaves. Two types of bunches can be identified: the small bunch or mazzetto and the large bunch or bouquet. The mazzetto consists of 3 to 10 whole plants with roots, packaged in food-grade paper marked with the DOP label and tied individually.

The bouquet contains an equivalent number of plants found in 10 mazzetti, packaged similarly. The weight of the product is not binding, but the number of plants is. In the preparation of the bunches, the use of inert material in contact with the roots is allowed to prevent premature dehydration of the plants contained within. The packaging for individual bunches or any bags must be made of material compliant with current regulations and must be marked with the D.O.P. logo and the complete company brand. The company identification must be of a size and positioning that makes it sufficiently evident in relation to the D.O.P. logo and wording.

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