Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Basajaún"

Infinite Seeds Association

We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom and heritage tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.

History and Origin of the Variety

Historical Origin

Basajaún is an extraordinary heirloom variety native to Spain's Basque Country, created and stabilized by renowned collector and preservationist Ion Couso Ureta. This variety represents the result of nearly three decades of meticulous breeding and selection work, which began approximately 30 years ago with Basque landraces and traditional family varieties that Ion Couso had long cultivated in his native region.

The story of Basajaún is fascinating: it was born from the crossing of a family variety coded as BAs23-92 (because these traditional varieties lacked specific names) with the result of a fortuitous cross between two additional varieties that Ion was growing at the time. This double crossing process initially produced a variety named "Iñigo" in honor of a farmer who had provided the BAs23-92 variety. However, the name was later changed to "Basajaún" to avoid confusion with the original parent variety.

Curiosities of Variety

• Mythological name : "Basajaún" means "Lord of the Forest" in Basque, referring to the benevolent giant of Basque mythology
• Modern creation : Developed by Ion Couso Ureta, one of the most respected preservationists in the Basque Country
• Decades of work : Result of almost 30 years of careful selection and improvement
• Giant fruits : Capable of producing tomatoes weighing more than 1 kilogram (record: 1,650 kg)
• Basque cultural heritage : Incorporates genetics from traditional family varieties of the Basque Country
• Naming process : Originally called "Iñigo", renamed to honor Basque mythology
• Exceptional late variety : Recognized for its late but spectacular ripening

Cultural Importance

Basajaún transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of Basque cultural preservation. The name honors the mythological Basajaún, the giant protector of the forests in Basque tradition, who, according to legend, taught humans the arts of agriculture, metallurgy, and construction. This variety represents the continuity of that tradition of agricultural knowledge, where Ion Couso Ureta acts as a modern "Basajaún," transmitting ancestral wisdom through the preservation and improvement of traditional varieties. Its development demonstrates how modern innovation can honor and preserve a region's genetic and cultural heritage.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BASAJAÚN" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• World record fruit : Ability to produce tomatoes weighing over 1.5 kilograms, among the largest ever documented
• Exceptional sweet taste : Excellent sweet taste that balances perfectly with the gigantic size
• Handcrafted creation : Handcrafted by Ion Couso Ureta over three decades of dedicated work
• Authentic Basque heritage : Incorporates genetics from traditional family varieties of the Basque Country
• Extraordinary productivity : Exceptional yields despite the gigantic size of the fruits
• Unique cultural value : Name that honors the Basque mythology of Basajaún, lord protector of the forests
• Masterpiece of breeding : Represents the culmination of the art of traditional seed selection

Limitations:

• Very late season : Requires very long growing season (90-100 days) for full development
• Massive structural support : Requires exceptionally robust support systems to support gigantic fruits
• Specialized management : Requires advanced experience in growing giant varieties
• Mandatory wide spacing : Requires generous spacing due to the exceptional size of plants and fruits
• Very limited availability : Extremely rare variety created by a single preservationist
• Climate vulnerability : Susceptible to adverse weather conditions due to its late cycle

Recommended Uses:

• Basque Cultural Preservation : Essential to keeping this masterpiece of modern Basque improvement alive
• Competitions and exhibitions : Ideal for giant tomato competitions and horticultural exhibitions
• Elite Collectibles : Essential for collectors of unique and extraordinary varieties
• Breeding research : Valuable for studies on giant fruit development and selection techniques
• Signature Gastronomy : Appreciated by chefs seeking unique ingredients with history and cultural significance
• Preservation Education : Excellent tool for teaching the importance of preservationist work
• Demonstration Gardens : Perfect for gardens showcasing the diversity of the world's heirloom tomatoes
• Special fresh consumption : Excellent for special occasions where size and flavor are the protagonists
• Artisanal preserves : Ideal for making premium quality preserves and sauces
• Genetic heritage : Crucial to preserving the legacy of Ion Couso Ureta's work

Data based on documentation from Ion Couso Ureta, records from Jardins de Tomates (France), information from Cultive ta rue, testimonies from collectors specializing in Basque varieties, and cultural references on the mythology of Basajaún in the Basque Country.