investigation finds standard ranges using cashew nuts instead of pine nuts, and parmesan substituteAn investigation into supermarket own-brand pesto has found that bamboo fibres, potato flakes and nut flour are being used as cheaper alternatives to traditional ingredients. Pesto, which is traditionally made from basil, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil – and sometimes lemon juice and garlic – has become a staple food in the UK. The analysis found the most authentic and traditional pestos on sale were the Asda Extra Special Genovese Basil Pesto, costing £1.39, and the Waitrose 1 Pesto alla Genovese, priced at £2.70. Premium pesto recipes, advertised as “pesto alla Genovese”, must contain the traditional quartet of basil, olive oil, pine nuts and parmesan, but some supermarkets added extra ingredients: sugar, vegetable fibres and bamboo were all added to Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Pesto alla Genovese recipes. “Our advice is not to assume that all pesto contains the same traditional ingredients.

Source: The Guardian April 13, 2018 22:52 UTC