Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Negro Segureño"

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

Negro Segureño is a Spanish heirloom variety native to the Sierra de Segura region in the northeast of the province of Jaén, Andalusia. This traditional variety was developed and preserved for generations by mountain farmers in the municipalities of Segura de la Sierra, Hornos de Segura, and the surrounding area during the 19th and 20th centuries, adapting perfectly to the mountainous conditions and continental Mediterranean climate of this region.

The variety emerged from natural and peasant selection in the home gardens of the Sierra de Segura, where local families carefully preserved the seeds of the best specimens generation after generation. Its characteristic dark coloration developed as an adaptation to the intense sunlight of the high Mediterranean mountains, where summers are hot and dry.

Negro Segureño remained virtually unknown outside its region of origin until the beginning of the 21st century, when researchers from the University of Córdoba and traditional Andalusian seed conservationists began documenting and preserving endangered local varieties. Its rescue and official cataloging occurred around 2008, and it was included in conservation programs for traditional Andalusian varieties.

Curiosities of Variety

• Mountain relic : Preserved exclusively in the Sierra de Segura for more than a century
• Mountain Adaptation : Specifically developed for high Mediterranean mountain conditions
• Geographical name : Its name refers directly to its region of origin.
• Historical resistance : It survived decades of rural abandonment without losing its characteristics
• Academic Rescue : Rediscovered and Catalogued by University Researchers
• Gastronomic heritage : It is part of the culinary tradition of the mountains of Jaén
• Unique coloration : Its purple-black hue is distinctive among Andalusian varieties
• Family transmission : Preserved by oral and practical transmission between peasant generations

Cultural Importance

Negro Segureño represents a treasure of traditional Andalusian agriculture and an exceptional example of how rural communities have been the true guardians of genetic diversity. This variety embodies the peasant wisdom of the Sierra de Segura and their ability to develop varieties perfectly adapted to specific local conditions. Its rescue from oblivion demonstrates the critical importance of documenting and preserving local varieties before they disappear forever. Negro Segureño is today a symbol of the resilience of traditional Andalusian agriculture and a reminder of the invaluable value of peasant knowledge in the conservation of Spanish agricultural biodiversity.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "NEGRO SEGUREÑO" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Authentic Andalusian heritage : Traditional variety of the Sierra de Segura preserved for generations
• Mountain adaptation : Perfectly adapted to Mediterranean mountain conditions and drought
• Distinctive color : Matte purple-black unique among traditional Spanish varieties
• Traditional flavor : Intense and concentrated flavor with earthy notes characteristic of the mountains
• Exceptional resistance : Excellent tolerance to drought, heat and major fungal diseases
• Constant productivity : High number of fruits of uniform size and consistent quality
• Peasant heritage : Living testimony to the traditional agricultural wisdom of Jaén
• Historic rescue : Variety saved from oblivion by Andalusian conservation programs

Limitations:

• Very limited availability : Seeds extremely rare outside of Andalusia
• Specialized knowledge : Requires traditional mountain farming techniques
• Climate Specific : Best performance in continental Mediterranean conditions
• Limited documentation : Limited information due to its recent rescue
• Initial sensitivity : Requires special care during the early stages of growth

Recommended Uses:

• Preservation of Andalusian heritage : Essential to conserving this relic of the Sierra de Segura
• Traditional mountain cuisine : Perfect for typical dishes from Jaén and Andalusia
• Organic farming : Ideal for sustainable farming systems due to its natural resistance
• Spanish Collecting : Essential for collectors of traditional Iberian varieties
• Biodiversity education : A perfect tool for teaching conservation of local varieties
• Agroecological markets : Excellent for traditional and local product markets
• Andalusian artisanal preserves : Ideal for making traditional mountain preserves
• Genetic research : Valuable for studies on adaptation to arid Mediterranean conditions
• Gastronomic tourism : Perfect for agrotourism experiences in the Sierra de Segura
• School gardens : Ideal for educational projects on traditional agriculture
• Ecological restoration : Perfect for projects to recover native varieties
• Exchange networks : Valuable seeds for traditional seed conservation networks

Data based on documentation from the University of Córdoba, archives from the Andalusian Ministry of Agriculture, testimonies from traditional farmers in the Sierra de Segura, records from the Cabra Agricultural Research and Training Center, and studies of traditional Andalusian varieties.