SLIDE SHOW: Ready, Set, Pesto

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SS1-1-Pesto Semi Finals -Hymn.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


One hundred semi-finalists listen to the pesto hymn, before they begin to pound.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS2-2-Pesto Semi Finals -crowd.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Observers in the baroque hall of the Palazzo Ducale, where the pesto contest is held.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


SS3-3b-Pesto-DOP Genova Basil.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi

The local DOP basil from Genoa is the base for the traditional pesto.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS4-4a-Pesto Semi Finals.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Contestants start to add ingredients to the mortars.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS5-4b-Pesto-seasoned mortar.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Some brought their own, well seasoned mortars.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


SS6-6-Pesto Semi Finals -judges1.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi

Wearing red aprons, the judges tasted and noted.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS7-8-Pesto winner.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


The winner, Federico Ferro, is a young pharmacist from Genoa's Sestri Levante .


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS8-9-Pesto Roberto Panizza1.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Roberto Panizza, president of Associazione Palatifini and organizer of the event.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS9-10-Kid Pesto 2.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Before the main event, there was a children's pesto competition in a smaller hall of the Palazzo Ducale.


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in


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SS10-11x-Genova Mortar Expo.jpg

Aglaia Kremezi


Exhibition of antique mortars at the charming old kitchen of the Palazzo Spinola ( Galleria Nazionale ).


Aglaia Kremezi learns the secrets of mixing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese in