Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Morado de Aretxabaleta"

Infinite Seeds Association

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

History and Origin of the Variety

Historical Origin

Morado de Aretxabaleta is an extraordinary heirloom variety native to the Spanish Basque Country, originating from the municipality of Aretxabaleta in Gipuzkoa. This variety represents one of the most admirable and rare jewels of traditional Basque agriculture, with a history of heroic recovery that saved it from total extinction at the end of the 20th century.

The fascinating history of the Morado de Aretxabaleta tomato plant begins in the late 1970s, when Antonio Kortabarria, a farmer from the Sarria de Aramaio farmhouse, visited the Miranda de Ebro fair on May 1st and returned with two dozen tomato plants. One of these plants would become the "common ancestor from which all Aretxabaleta tomatoes in the world descend." This plant was carefully preserved by Rosario Kortabarria, a nun from the farmhouse, who shared it with Juan José Arenaza "Atxurdin" in the Larrimbe area, entrance to the Oro neighborhood in Aretxabaleta.

In 1990, the variety was on the verge of extinction when only a few specimens remained in the Atxurdin garden. It was then that Koldo Zubizarreta, passionate about traditional horticulture, discovered these extraordinary tomatoes during one of his walks around Aretxabaleta. Fascinated by their unique beauty and flavor, he set out to rescue this variety from total extinction. Zubizarreta provided seeds to Tomás Larrañaga, a pioneer of Basque organic farming, who, together with his wife Maje, incorporated the cultivation of this variety into his sustainable agriculture project.

Curiosities of Variety

• Heroic rescue: Saved from extinction in 1990 by Koldo Zubizarreta when only a few specimens remained
• Multiple names: Known as Aretxabaletako mozkorra, Aretxabaletako larrosa, Borracho de Aretxabaleta
• Mythical origin: Descendant of a single plant brought from Miranda de Ebro in 1979
• Competition Champion: Winner of multiple tomato competitions, including the first native tomato competition in Donostia
• International recognition: Endorsed by the Slow Food movement and repeatedly awarded
• Scientific conservation: Its seeds are preserved in the Zaragoza germplasm bank.
• Regional symbol: Considered one of the gastronomic jewels that identify the Debagoiena region

Cultural Importance

The Morado de Aretxabaleta variety transcends its horticultural value to become a true symbol of Basque cultural resilience and the preservation of agricultural heritage. This variety represents the continuity of a tradition that has managed to keep genetic diversity alive in the face of the homogenization of industrial agriculture.

Its recovery and popularization have been fundamental to the development of organic farming in the Basque Country. Tomás Larrañaga and his wife Maje, in collaboration with Ekonekazaritza and the Basque Neiker Institute, have been pioneers in promoting the improvement and dissemination of this variety, becoming leaders in the use of local varieties in sustainable agriculture.

The international Slow Food movement has played a crucial role in the worldwide recognition of this variety, which has spread to different parts of Spain, Europe, and other continents. Its fame has transcended borders, with requests for seeds from Asturias, Galicia, Madrid, and even Russia, consolidating its position as an ambassador of Basque horticultural diversity.

This variety has become a product that identifies the Debagoiena region, along with other emblematic products such as the Tolosa bean, the Ibarra chili pepper, and the Gernika pepper, forming part of the Basque gastronomic and cultural heritage.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "MORADO DE ARETXABALETA" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Unique exceptional flavor: Intense sweet flavor that counteracts the acidity, with very pronounced aromas of aged tomato
• Distinctive color: Pink-purple with delicate purple nuances, unique color that comes close to true purple
• Extraordinary texture: Very meaty, creamy and firm meat that literally melts in the mouth
• Few seeds: Scarce amount of seeds, maximizing the proportion of fleshy pulp
• Very thin skin: Delicate skin that makes consumption easier but transport more difficult.
• Exceptional resistance: Very resistant to fungal diseases, especially mildew
• Competition Champion: Repeat winner of heirloom tomato competitions and tastings
• Rescued Heritage: Variety heroically saved from total extinction

Limitations:

• Delicate transport: Very thin skin that complicates handling and commercial transport
• Limited distribution: Mainly for local markets and direct sales
• Restricted availability: Rare variety with production limited to specialized growers
• Irregular shape: Tendency towards slightly asymmetrical and grooved shapes
• Specific maturation: It requires the climatic conditions of the Basque Country to express its full potential.
• Specialized cultivation: Better results with traditional organic farming techniques

Recommended Uses:

• Premium fresh consumption: Excellent for direct tasting where the flavor is the protagonist
• Gourmet salads: Ideal for haute cuisine salads due to its unique flavor and color.
• Basque Gastronomy: Perfect for traditional Basque recipes and regional haute cuisine
• Gazpachos and sauces: Exceptional for gazpachos and sauces due to its solid meat and few seeds.
• Competitions and Tastings: Competitive Variety Heirloom Tomato Competitions
• Elite collecting: Essential for collections of Basque and exceptional varieties
• Organic farming: Ideal for organic producers specializing in native varieties
• Cultural Preservation: Essential for Basque Heritage Conservation Programs
• Genetic research: Valuable for studies on natural resistance and traditional improvement
• Gastronomic tourism: Perfect for culinary experiences in the Basque Country
• Biodiversity Education: An Exceptional Example of the Recovery of Endangered Varieties
• Local markets: Excellent for local markets and direct sales from the producer

Data based on historical documentation by Koldo Zubizarreta and Tomás Larrañaga, records from Ekonekazaritza and Neiker, information from Slow Food, testimonials from Basque organic producers, results of native tomato competitions, and references to the horticultural heritage of Gipuzkoa and the Debagoiena region.