Genoa is the birthplace of Pesto: The Ligurian region is the birthplace of the Pesto sauce.  More precisely, it was in Genoa, on the north Ligurian coast, that Pesto originated. Basil, a main ingredient of pesto sauce, grows well in the Ligurian temperate climate. Travelling around Liguria, you'll see that this sauce is used extensively in dishes. Traditionally, families would use a mortar and a pestle (hence the name) to make pesto. The grinding action of the pestle brings out the … [Read more...]