Thank you to Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for this print article about Pesto Takes Flight.
In the bustling world of culinary delights, few dishes evoke as much passion and cultural significance as pesto. Originating in Genoa, Italy, this basil-based sauce has captivated taste buds and inspired culinary adventures worldwide. Its precursor, called moretum, stretches back to ancient Rome, where people crafted it from garlic, cheese, herbs, and vinegar.
For years, my friends Captain Marco and Julie Fortezze have tantalized my taste buds with their special Genovese pesto during my visits to Italy. Yet, until a few years ago, savoring this culinary masterpiece required a pilgrimage to the heart of Genoa.
Enter the innovative initiative that has revolutionized the way pesto traverses the globe. In 2017, the Genoa airport, in collaboration with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (Enac), allowed travelers to carry up to a pint of pesto in their hand luggage. Passengers simply declare their savory cargo at security, undergo a scan, and make a small donation to Flying Angels, a charitable foundation.
This endeavor has rescued a staggering 40,000 jars of pesto from potential oblivion. The symbiotic relationship between gastronomy and altruism is further exemplified by Flying Angels Foundation, established in 2012. Having facilitated over 2,200 life-saving flights for children, the foundation’s impact transcends borders, spanning 10 million miles and nearly 400 circumnavigations of the globe.
Meanwhile, the Palatifini Cultural Association supports Genovese pesto’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. With the World Championship of Genovese Pesto al Mortaio (pesto made with a mortar) attracting aficionados from around the world, the Palatifini Cultural Association extols pesto as a “healthy, natural, and democratic” sauce embodying centuries of tradition and innovation.
Pesto’s versatility shines through in its myriad variations, from sun-dried tomato to spinach and walnut. Beyond its exquisite taste, pesto offers a plethora of health benefits. Basil provides essential vitamins and minerals; olive oil heart-healthy fats; and pine nuts, protein and nutrients. The Genovese believe that the best pesto/basil is from the area called Pra and that the youngest, smallest, basil leaves produce the tastiest pesto.
Genovese pesto’s cultural heritage underscores the importance of preserving traditional culinary practices amidst a rapidly developing gastronomic landscape. While its origins lie in Genoa, pesto’s global appeal has cemented its status as a beloved culinary staple, cherished in kitchens worldwide for its vibrant flavor profile and versatility.
In the May/June 2024 print issue of Pasadena Magazine, I had a second print article about Icon of the Seas–click here to read Whatever Floats Your Boat!
Discover how Genoa's famed pesto spices up the world and saves lives with every jar. 🇮🇹https://t.co/4uPbQ16HUp
— Pasadena Magazine (@PasadenaMag) May 28, 2024
📸: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/fZmQ9lBIpg
