Italy faces a pesto shortage

by Sarah J. Gim, Posted Aug 22nd 2006 @ 7:21PM

pesto Don't worry, you can still get fresh basil here in the US and whirl together your favorite herb sauce.

However, if you're looking for authentic pesto, the kind made from basil grown under the Genoa sun, then you're facing increased prices or even shortages of the stuff. The area of northern Italy was destroyed by unseasonable hailstorms, leaving 35 producers affected and about $6.5 million of damages in its wake. I guess you'd expect that from hailstones "the size of tennis balls."

Filed Under: Farming, Ingredients
Tags: basil, cheese, europe, genoa, herbs, italian cuisine, italian food, italy, nuts, pesto, seeds, vegetables

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-22-2006 @11:57PM Angela Pitt said... We should send them some of our basil, but I think
it would pale in comparison to their Mediterranean
sun-kissed version. It simply wouldn't be the same for them.
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8-23-2006 @12:27PM jmchez said... Let me see. Imported pesto from Italy that's been sealed in jar for I don't know how long, or fresh pesto made in my kitchen just minutes before I serve it?

I think I'll stick to my American version.

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