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Genoese Pesto in Prà: An Authentic Mortar-and-Pestle Experience
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 3h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Visit to the conservatories and a sensory workshop focusing on basil and aromatic herbs.
- Basil harvesting and pesto making using a traditional mortar and pestle.
- Tasting of fresh pesto, the result of your work and of tradition.
Activity location
- Genoa
- Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Pra', 16157 Genova GE, Italia
- Genova, Liguria, Italy
Check availability
Genoese Pesto in Prà: An Authentic Experience with a Mortar and Pestle
- 3h
Activity duration is 3 hours 3h - English
What's included, what's not
- Guided tour of the greenhouses with an explanation of the basil growth cycle
What's included What's included - Herb olfactory workshop
What's included What's included - Harvesting fresh basil directly from the plants
What's included What's included - Preparation of traditional pesto in a mortar, with step-by-step instructions
What's included What's included - Tasting of freshly prepared pesto
What's included What's included - All necessary materials and tools (mortar, pestle, ingredients)
What's included What's included - Expert assistance and guidance throughout the entire activity
What's included What's included
What you can expect
Immerse yourself in a sensory journey dedicated to basil and aromatic herbs, amidst tradition, nature, and authentic flavors. The experience begins with a guided tour of our greenhouses, where you can get a close-up look at the different varieties of basil and see where its unmistakable fragrance originates. As you walk among the rows of plants, you will learn about the cultivation techniques, the importance of the microclimate, and the entire growth cycle, from sowing to harvesting.
Next, you will enter the olfactory workshop, a space dedicated to exploring the aromatic herbs that are a hallmark of our culinary tradition. Through a guided tour, you will learn to recognize the scents, aromatic notes, and unique characteristics of each herb, gaining a deeper understanding of the role these plants play in local cuisine and culture.
After exploring the world of basil with all your senses, the moment you've been waiting for will arrive: harvesting the leaves directly from the greenhouse. You will be shown how to select and pick the best leaves, respecting the plant and choosing the perfect ingredients to prepare an authentic pesto.
With the freshly picked basil, we will move on to the hands-on part of the experience: making pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle. Guided step by step, you will learn the traditional technique, which involves slow, circular motions to achieve the ideal texture and fully release the aroma of the basil. We will also teach you how to determine the right quantities of the traditional ingredients: garlic, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, Parmesan cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt.
Finally, we will conclude with a tasting of the freshly prepared pesto. You will be able to savor its freshness and aroma in a welcoming setting, sharing the results of your work and enjoying an authentic and convivial experience. A unique experience to discover the essence of pesto and the magic of a tradition that lives on to this day through time-honored techniques and simple yet extraordinary ingredients.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIES LOB_ACTIVITIES - Genoa
- Genoa, Liguria, Italy
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLE PEOPLE - Pra', 16157 Genova GE, Italia
- Genova, Liguria, Italy