Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Moruno de Aranjuez"

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

Moruno de Aranjuez is an extraordinary heirloom variety native to the Community of Madrid, Spain, originating in the historic city of Aranjuez. This variety represents one of the most significant achievements in the recovery of Spain's horticultural heritage, having been heroically rescued from total extinction by the Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural, and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA).

The fascinating history of Moruno de Aranjuez dates back to centuries of traditional cultivation in the fertile soils of the Tajo Valley, where the unique climatic conditions of the Madrid region allowed for the development of this exceptional variety. For generations, the market gardeners of Aranjuez and throughout Madrid cultivated this variety, which became an integral part of the local diet and culinary culture.

However, tragedy struck in the 1960s when this variety completely disappeared from commercial cultivation. The main cause was the massive rural exodus that drove the peasant population from farmland to large urban centers, abandoning traditional agricultural practices in favor of more productive but less tasty commercial varieties.

The rescue of this variety began in 2010, when IMIDRA launched an ambitious research project to conserve and recover native Madrid tomatoes, which were on the verge of extinction. For 25 years, researchers led by Isabel Fernández worked tirelessly, collecting seeds from all over Madrid, multiplying them, and scientifically characterizing them to bring them back to life.

Curiosities of Variety

• Scientific resurrection: Rescued from total extinction after 25 years of research by IMIDRA
• Official Registry: Definitively registered on July 13, 2013 with number 20120185 in the List of Plant Varieties of Spain
• Historic project: Part of the recovery project initiated in 2010 by IMIDRA
• Institutional collaboration: Joint project between IMIDRA, ACYRE Madrid and Alcampo
• Experimental cultivation: Tested in the historic "Estufas del Retiro" greenhouses in Buen Retiro Park
• Modern marketing: First extinct variety recovered and marketed by a large retailer (Alcampo)
• Protected heritage: Preserved by the Autonomous Community of Madrid as horticultural heritage

Cultural Importance

The Moruno de Aranjuez variety transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of Madrid's cultural resilience and the recovery of its lost agricultural heritage. This variety represents a milestone in the history of plant genetic conservation in Spain, demonstrating that it is possible to revive completely extinct varieties when there is scientific and institutional will.

Its recovery has been fundamental to raising awareness about the importance of local and locally sourced foods in the Community of Madrid. The project has served as a model for other autonomous communities, demonstrating that collaboration between public research institutions, committed farmers, and distribution chains can revive lost varieties.

The second annual Madrid Tomato Week has made the Moruno de Aranjuez tomato the centerpiece of a gastronomic tour involving more than 20 restaurants, from century-old establishments to Michelin-starred establishments, demonstrating its heritage and gastronomic value.

Farmers Félix Ledesma and José Francisco Brunete, who cultivate 5 hectares in Velilla de San Antonio and Quijorna, have demonstrated that sustainable agriculture can be economically viable while preserving genetic heritage. Their work with 21,000 seedlings annually has established a production model that connects Madrid's orchards directly to consumers' tables.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "MORUNO DE ARANJUEZ" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Exceptional taste of yesteryear: Extraordinary taste reminiscent of traditional tomatoes, with unique intensity and depth
• Historic resurrection: First extinct variety fully recovered and marketed in Spain
• Extreme juiciness: Extraordinarily juicy, ideal for gazpachos and salmorejo
• Very thin skin: Distinctive characteristic that facilitates consumption but requires careful handling
• Disease resistance: Significant ability to resist various diseases
• Exceptional productivity: Yields that tripled expectations in scientific trials
• Madrid adaptation: Perfectly adapted to Madrid's continental Mediterranean climate
• Scientific validation: Morphologically, nutritionally and sensorially characterized by IMIDRA

Limitations:

• Very delicate leather: Very thin leather can give the impression of poor condition and make transport difficult.
• Susceptibility to watering: Sensitive to rot when overwatered
• Outdoor cultivation: 50-60% losses due to adverse weather conditions in open fields
• Seasonal availability: Production limited to specific season (daily morning harvest)
• Scarred appearance: Outdoor cultivation produces "scarring" that can discourage the consumer
• Limited distribution: Mainly for local markets and direct sales

Recommended Uses:

• Conservation of Madrid's heritage: Essential to preserving the horticultural heritage of the Community of Madrid
• Gazpachos and salmorejos: Ideal for their extreme juiciness and intense flavor
• Madrid gastronomy: Perfect for traditional recipes and regional haute cuisine
• Consume fresh with oil and salt: Excellent for direct tasting freshly cut
• Gourmet salads: Ideal for salads where the traditional flavor is the protagonist
• Agricultural Research: Model for studies of recovery of extinct varieties
• Sustainable Agriculture: A benchmark for organic and biodynamic farming systems
• Heritage Education: An Exceptional Tool for Teaching Genetic Conservation
• Gastronomic tourism: Attraction for culinary experiences in Madrid
• Local markets: Perfect for direct sales from farmers to consumers
• Prestige Restaurant: Valued by chefs seeking ingredients with history and authenticity
• Experimental cultivation: Excellent for testing sustainable agricultural techniques

Data based on documentation from the Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), characterization studies by Isabel Fernández, testimonies from farmers Félix Ledesma and José Francisco Brunete, trials conducted at the Estufas del Retiro, information from the Spanish Plant Variety Registry, and gastronomic experiences from ACYRE Madrid.