Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Marmande"

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

Marmande is an extraordinary French heirloom variety that represents one of the oldest and most respected beefsteak tomatoes in Europe. This historic variety originates from the town of Marmande, located in the Aquitaine region of the Lot-et-Garonne department, on the east bank of the Garonne River in southwestern France. It is now considered the tomato capital of the region.

The fascinating history of Marmande dates back to the late 19th century, when its development was closely linked to an agricultural tragedy that completely transformed regional agriculture. In 1863, a devastating phylloxera epidemic devastated the region's vineyards, forcing local winegrowers to abandon vine cultivation and seek viable agricultural alternatives for their land.

It was in this context of economic necessity and agricultural reinvention that the farmers of Marmande decided to invest in tomato cultivation, a vegetable that had arrived in Europe from the Andes in the 16th century via the Spanish. The local farmers, with great vision and skill, set out to create an early variety specifically adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of their region.

The result of this meticulous work was the development of the Marmande variety, created as a cross between the Ponderosa and Mikado varieties. This traditional hybridization resulted in a tomato with exceptional characteristics: early ripening, large size, exceptional flavor, and perfect adaptation to the climate of southwestern France.

Curiosities of Variety

• Post-phylloxera rescue: Born as an agricultural alternative after the devastation of the vineyards by phylloxera in 1863
• Historical hybridization: Result of the traditional crossing between Ponderosa and Mikado varieties
• Tomato capital: Marmande is considered the tomato capital of southwestern France
• RAF precursor: The famous Spanish RAF tomato has the Marmande as its direct ancestor.
• Old European variety: One of the oldest and most respected beefsteak tomatoes in Europe
• Annual Festival: Every July, the "Tomato Fiesta" is held in Marmande with 100,000 visitors.
• Historical resistance: One of the first varieties resistant to Fusarium oxysporum

Cultural Importance

Marmande transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of the resilience and adaptability of French agriculture. This variety represents the perfect symbiosis of tradition and innovation, demonstrating how 19th-century farmers were able to transform a crisis into an opportunity, creating a variety that would become a global benchmark.

Its influence on the development of subsequent varieties has been fundamental. The Marmande is recognized as the direct precursor of the famous Spanish RAF tomato, establishing the genetic foundations and organoleptic characteristics that would define an entire family of Mediterranean beefsteak tomatoes.

The town of Marmande has successfully transformed its horticultural heritage into an exceptional cultural and tourist attraction. The annual "Tomato Festival," held every July, attracts more than 100,000 visitors and Michelin-starred chefs, and has become one of the most important food festivals in southwest France. For two days, the town is dressed entirely in red in homage to the tomato.

The Marmande variety has inspired the development of improvements such as the "Super Marmande," which maintains the original characteristics but is larger in size, demonstrating that innovation can coexist with the preservation of traditional genetic heritage.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "MARMANDE" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Exceptional sweet and fruity flavor: Perfect balance between sweetness and acidity with an intense traditional aroma
• Extraordinary precocity: One of the earliest beefsteak tomatoes, harvestable from June
• Exceptional robustness: Extremely durable even in cold locations with high performance
• French Historical Heritage: Heirloom variety with over 150 years of documented history
• Firm and juicy flesh: Very fleshy pulp with few seeds, ideal for multiple culinary uses
• Fusarium resistance: One of the first varieties historically resistant to this disease
• Climate adaptability: Excellent performance in various European climatic conditions
• Variety precursor: Genetic ancestor of the famous RAF tomato and other beefsteak varieties

Limitations:

• Support needs: Requires robust staking due to its great height (2.5 meters) and fruit weight.
• Susceptibility to mildew: Sensitive to high humidity and high temperatures
• Specialized management: Requires regular pruning and careful handling to optimize production
• Irregular shape: The characteristic grooved shape can complicate commercial packaging
• Frost sensitivity: Does not tolerate temperatures below 12°C
• Wide spacing: It needs generous planting frames due to its great vegetative development.

Recommended Uses:

• Gourmet salads: Excellent for salads where the sweet and fruity flavor is the protagonist
• Stuffed tomatoes: Ideal for their size and shape for traditional French stuffed preparations
• French Gastronomy: Perfect for traditional recipes from southwest France
• Premium fresh consumption: Excellent for direct tasting with oil and salt
• Heritage Conservation: Essential to Preserving France's Horticultural Heritage
• Collecting European varieties: A must for historic heirloom tomato collections
• Mediterranean cultivation: Excellent for regions with a Mediterranean and temperate continental climate
• Breeding research: Valuable for studies on precursor varieties and resistances
• Gastronomic tourism: Attraction for culinary experiences in southwest France
• Specialty Markets: For consumers who value historic varieties with authentic flavor
• Fine dining: Valued by chefs seeking ingredients with history and distinctive flavor
• Horticultural Education: A Model for Teaching Traditional Variety Evolution and Improvement

Data based on historical documentation from the Aquitaine region, records from the city of Marmande, information from the annual "Tomato Fiesta," studies on French heirloom varieties, testimonies from traditional farmers in southwest France, and references on the development of the Spanish RAF tomato.