Ceres Organics Vegan Basil Pesto 130g
A vegan basil pesto made in Italy with Genovese Basil PDO - the authentic, Protected Designation of Origin basil grown in Liguria, the home of pesto. Cheese-free, 100% certified organic, shelf stable until opened.
Most commercial pesto is made with generic dried or processed basil and bulked out with cheap oil. This one is built on Genovese Basil PDO - a specific cultivar of basil grown in the Ligurian region of northern Italy, where the microclimate produces a sweeter, more delicate leaf than basil grown elsewhere. The PDO designation (Protected Designation of Origin) means the basil is certified to have come from that specific region and to meet the production standards for authentic Genovese basil. It makes up 27.6% of this pesto - a meaningful quantity, not a token inclusion.
The base is certified organic extra virgin olive oil at 36.2%, with organic cashews and pine nuts for body and richness. No parmesan, no pecorino - this is a fully vegan pesto that doesn't compromise on flavour by trying to replicate the cheese. The cashews do the work instead. Apple fibre and garlic round out the formula.
Shelf stable before opening makes this one of the more practical pesto options for pantry stocking. 130g per jar, 5 serves at 25g per serve. Made in Italy.
Why people love it
- Genovese Basil PDO (27.6%) - Protected Designation of Origin, authentic Ligurian basil
- Extra virgin olive oil base (36.2%) - no seed oils
- Organic cashews and pine nuts for richness and body - no parmesan or pecorino
- 100% vegan, dairy free, egg free
- Shelf stable before opening - no refrigeration needed until open
- No artificial colours, preservatives, or additives
- BioGro certified organic, B Corp certified brand, GE-free inputs
- Made in Italy - the home of pesto
- 130g, 5 serves at 25g per serve
How to use it
- Pasta: tossed through hot pasta with a splash of pasta water to loosen. Works with spaghetti, linguine, trofie, or penne
- Pizza base: spread instead of tomato sauce, topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and rocket
- Bruschetta and crostini: spread thickly on toasted sourdough with fresh tomato or blistered cherry tomatoes
- Salad dressing: whisk with a squeeze of lemon juice and a little extra olive oil to thin for a salad dressing
- Grain bowls: stirred through warm freekeh, farro, or quinoa with roasted vegetables and chickpeas
- Roasted vegetables: dolloped over roasted zucchini, eggplant, capsicum, or potato
- Soup: stirred through minestrone or white bean soup just before serving
- Dip: served in a small bowl alongside antipasto, crudites, or crusty bread
Storage
Shelf stable in a cool dry place before opening. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 5 days. Keep covered with a thin layer of olive oil after each use to preserve freshness.
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (36.2%), Cashews, Genovese Basil PDO in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (27.6%) (Genovese Basil PDO 48%, Extra Virgin Olive Oil 45%, Salt), Pine Nuts, Apple Fibre, Garlic, Salt. All certified organic.
Contains: cashews and pine nuts (tree nuts).
Produced in a facility that also processes milk, soy, and other tree nuts.
Vegan. Dairy free. Egg free. GE-free.
Country of origin: Made in Italy.
Certification: BioGro Certified Organic. B Corp Certified Brand. GE-free inputs.
About Ceres Organics
Ceres Organics is a New Zealand wholefoods company producing certified organic and GE-free pantry staples since 1985. BioGro certified and B Corp certified, their range is built around simple ingredient lists, traceable sourcing, and minimal processing.
Why Santos Organics
Santos has been the Northern Rivers' organic food shop since 1978. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, every purchase supports our work in community food systems, environmental advocacy, and the Grow the Growers project. We stock Ceres Organics because their commitment to certified organic, GE-free, and authentic ingredient sourcing matches ours.
Santos Organics is not your average grocery store; it's a not-for-profit social enterprise and environmental charity. Since 1978, we've pioneered the organic wholefood movement. Our stores serve as community hubs where people connect with our team and fellow community members, sharing a journey toward optimal health and wellness. The palpable sense of community forms part of the social and cultural fabric of the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers. Employing over 70 passionate locals, we support hundreds of local farmers, makers, and artisans, promoting the local economy, building community resilience, and strengthening the local food system. Approximately 75% of the food on our shelves is locally grown, produced, or supplied, nurturing interconnectedness and supporting those passionate about clean, wholesome food and sustainable living.
Santos Organics makes conscious shopping easy by sourcing the best organic food and natural lifestyle products. We invest in ethics research through a dedicated Ethics Specialist position, ensuring our products meet rigorous standards before reaching our shelves. Our Care Check process aligns products with our social impact and environmental goals, providing customers with confidence in their purchases. Our commitment to ethical product procurement extends to partnerships with local farmers through initiatives like the Grow the Growers Project. This project helps local farmers establish pathways to the organic retail market, making fresh, locally grown organic food more available and affordable. By incorporating supply agreements and mutual marketing support, we foster connections between customers and the farmers behind their food.
Santos Organics significantly impacts the local community and economy. Over the last three years, our investments in local employment, goods from local suppliers and distributors, rent, and hiring local tradespeople have retained over $26 million within the Northern Rivers. In the past year alone, $5.3 million was circulated back into the local economy through these efforts, supporting over 100 Northern Rivers-based suppliers and distributors. This investment sustains our community's vitality and unique culture. Employing over 70 local team members ensures money stays within the local economy, enhancing opportunities for community interaction and support. Our local suppliers share our vision of promoting creative, sustainable, and healthy product development, strengthening the reputation of the Byron Bay region as a hub for innovation and sustainability.
