Pesto

Pesto is a type of traditional Italian sauce from Genova, the capital city of the region of Liguria. Pesto is made from basil, garlic, European pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, Parmigiano reggiano or Pecorino cheese. Technically, there are also other kinds of pesto from different areas of Italy. However, the traditional green basil-based pesto is known as pesto alla genovese, which means "genoan pesto".
The name pesto derives from the verb pestare, which means "to crush" in Italian. The name refers to the traditional way in which pesto was made, which was to crush the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle.
The correct pronunciation of the word pesto in Italian is peh-stoh. It is important to note that the correct way to pronounce the "e" sound in pesto is with a very closed "e", which resembles the "e" in the word "bed", as heard in the audio pronunciation. Nonetheless, depending on the area of Italy, the pronunciation may vary. For example, in Milan, people will often pronounce it with an open "e". It is also important not to pronounce the end, -stoh, as -stow. The end should sound like a kind of elided "o" sound, similar to the "o" in the word "story".

Food and Beverage

Italian