Italy’s cuisine is a symphony of sun-ripened tomatoes, golden olive oil, and herbs that flourish in Mediterranean soil.

From the basil-laced pesto of Liguria to the rosemary-scented roasts of Tuscany, every dish tells a story of regional pride and seasonal abundance.

In this chapter of the Country Recipe Challenge, we explore Italy’s iconic flavours – celebrating the garden’s role in crafting pasta sauces, antipasti, and rustic breads that nourish both body and soul.

Whether you’re simmering a slow Sunday ragù or layering eggplant with oregano and mozzarella, these recipes invite you to cook with passion, plant with purpose, and savor the Italian way of life.

On this page you will find:

• Example Italian recipes
• 3 Key Italian ingredients to grow

Genovese Basil

If you buy basil in shops then you are most likely to get sweet basil – whereas genovese basil is the type used by most professional chefs. And you will notice a real difference in taste.

• Average Height when grown 60 to 75 cm
• Time from seed to harvest – 50 to 75 days

For more details have a look at how to grow Genovese Basil

Italian Parsley

Similarly most parsely sold in shops tends to be french or curley leafed parsley, whereas italian or plain leafed parsley is also the one used in restaurants. (Although to be fair a key reason is that it’s simply a lot easier to chop and wash than the other type)

• Average height when grown 15 to 30 cm
• Time from seed to harvest – 70 to 90 days
• Please note – this is the type of parsely used in most restaurants, as opposed to the parsley you will buy in shops.

How to grow Italian Parsley at home

Roma or San Marzano Tomatoes

These are the most important items to grow.

For example if you currently make Italian style tomato sauce (such as Bolognese) using tinned tomatoes…

Then you will notice a real difference when using the right type of authentic Italian fresh tomatoes.

They are easy to grow at home – how to grow tomatoes at home