Herbs
The region of Liguria is little more than a salty rim of the northern Mediterranean where the Apennines shelter the coast from the chilly European winter. The pine trees and dairy sheep of the mountains offer nuts and cheese, the slopes above the sea the delicate olive oil, and the precious strip of arable coastline the intensely perfumed herbs.

Fragrant and flavorful are two adjectives that come to mind when trying to conjure up the effusive, magical quality of Liguria. Blessed with 220 miles of coastline and surrounded by mountains, the region’s sweet-smelling breezes carry the life-affirming scents of the sea, herbs, flowers, and pine trees.

Among the many herbs that grow along the coast of Liguria include marjoram, basil, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.

Every June in Andora on the Ligurian coast there is an herbs festival, in which local nursery owners display and sell their plants and herbs in the parks and streets. Especially fragrant and popular is the Ligurian pesto – made from the ample supply of basil growing rampant in this region.  There is a saying that he who eats pesto never leaves Genoa, the stronghold of this delicious sauce, rich with the flavors of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese.

Traditionally, the ingredients are put in a mortar and pounded with a pestle until a smooth sauce emerges. Pesto is popular throughout the world, but small-leafed Ligurian basil, grown in herb gardens buffeted by sea breezes, is arguably the best in the world.

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