Genovese basil (in Ligurian language baxaico baxaicò or) baxeico 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 saucet is one of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for its use in pesto, the traditional Genoese sauce. The name Basilico Genovese is protected by the European Union with the Denominazione di Origine Protetta certification.