Description: Genovese basil (in Ligurian language baxaicò or baxeicò) is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). It is one of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for its use in pesto, the traditional Genoese sauce. Best basil for Italian pesto. Full Description. This Italian variety has extremely tender, fragrant, extra-large, dark green leaves and is superb for pesto. Genovese basil is a variety of sweet basil that originated in Italy. Its vigorous, large leaves have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. Authentic flavor and appearance. Tall and relatively slow to bolt with large dark-green leaves about 3" long.