Plant seeds

Basil Genovese is perhaps the most famous sweet basil variety in the world - known for making the best pesto in the world. Why is Genovese Basil so special? The round leaves are dark green and appear duller than those of its shinier cousin, Common Basil. The flavor is also "duller," if that makes sense - the basil flavor is more concentrated and somehow less sweet. What is certain is that the Genoese take their beloved Baxaicò (as they call it) and their pesto very seriously; Basil Genovese has even been given DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) status by the Italian government.