Purple tomato from Rincón de Ademuz

Tomate morado del Rincón de AdemuzThis tomato is one of the traditional varieties in the Rincón de Ademuz (València) region and is well adapted to local weather, soil and pests. The seeds are sown in March and protected to avoid damage from late season frosts which may occur in early May. In mid-May, the plants are transferred to the fields where they are planted in ridges. The bushes are watered by flooding thanks to the traditional system of channels which is still used today. The plants need to be held by canes. This tomato is a late variety, adapted to the temperature changes between day and night, which are significant in the region from August onwards. This variety does not have high yields (only around 2 kg per bush) and growth is further limited by the drop in temperature from October. The plant produces large tomatoes (350 g/tomato) with very thin skin and a large irregular catface scar, which are harvested when ripe. These characteristics are a barrier to commercialization through the usual channels as the tomatoes are easily broken during transport and the tomatoes do not meet the expectations of the conventional market (too large and with scars). In fact, this variety has been traditionally selected for its taste (sensory qualities) despite its external characteristics (productivity, size, scar, skin). This has enabled it to survive as it is now, but on the other hand, it has not permitted it to be commercialized outside the local area. Now the introduction of commercial varieties (hybrids) with higher yields, earlier ripening and homogeneity is causing this variety to be gradually abandoned and its typical characteristics to be lost (due to crossing and faulty selection). The tomato is sweet with a lot of pulp, small seeds and very thin skin. Traditionally it is conserved by covering in salt and sun-drying in August, or by preserving with salt and water. Normally, no phytosanitary treatments are carried out due to the plant’s natural character and adaptation to the environment. But if it is necessary due to rain, an antifungal treatment with sulfur can be applied. Other features characterizing the variety are its flattened longitudinal section, irregular transverse section and its middle groove.Its measures are height x largest diameter x smallest diameter (mm): 60x100x92, and it has an average of 12 lobes.