Pesto alla Genovese

What is Pesto alla Genovese?

Pesto alla Genovese comes from the Liguria region in north-western Italy. The name translates as "pesto from Genoa", the capital of Liguria. The word "pesto" comes from the Italian verb "pestare", which means "to mash" or "to crush". Traditionally, pesto is prepared with a mortar and pestle by pounding the ingredients into a creamy paste.

The main ingredient in pesto is fresh basil, which gives the pesto its characteristic green color and intense aroma. Basil is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and digestive properties. Basil also contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.

The other ingredients in pesto are pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and cheese. Pine nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein and magnesium. They have a nutty flavor and provide energy. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic that is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It has a pungent taste and can lower blood pressure. Olive oil is a healthy vegetable oil that contains many omega-3 fatty acids. It protects the cardiovascular system and the skin. Cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus and protein. It gives the pesto a tangy note and makes it creamier.

Is pesto healthy or harmful for dogs?

Pesto is a tasty and healthy food for humans, but it can cause problems for dogs. This is mainly due to two ingredients: Garlic and cheese.

Garlic is poisonous for dogs because it contains a substance called allicin. This substance can damage dogs' red blood cells and lead to anemia. The symptoms of garlic poisoning include weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and pale mucous membranes. The amount of garlic that is dangerous for a dog depends on its weight. As a rule of thumb, one gram of garlic per kilogram of body weight can be fatal.

Cheese is not directly poisonous to dogs, but it can cause digestive problems. This is because many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means that they cannot digest the lactose in cheese properly. This results in flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Cheese also contains a lot of fat and salt, which can lead to obesity and heart problems.

The other ingredients in pesto are not harmful to dogs, but they are not particularly nutritious either. Basil does have positive effects on health, but only in small quantities. Too much basil can cause stomach irritation. Although pine nuts are healthy, they are also very high in calories. They should therefore only be fed in moderation. Olive oil is also healthy, but only in small quantities. Too much olive oil can lead to diarrhea.