Tag: Pesto ph

Many commercial pesto sauces are produced to be acidic, typically with a pH below 4.7, to ensure food safety and prevent spoilage. This is in stark contrast to fresh, homemade pesto, which is often much less acidic. So, is basil pesto acidic or alkaline? The answer is more complex than it appears, hinging on its ingredients and preparation.

According to scientific studies, the pH level of pesto sauce can vary widely, with commercial varieties found in one study having a pH range from 4.00 to 5.64, meaning that pesto is considered acidic. The degree of acidity depends heavily on the preparation method, with store-bought versions often being more acidic than fresh, homemade pesto due to added preservatives and ingredients like lemon juice.