Originating in the village of Barbastro, in the Spanish Pre-Pyrenees, the Rosa de Barbastro is hailed by connoisseurs and gastronomy experts as one of the finest tomatoes in the world. And believe us: this tomato is unlike any we’ve ever tasted. Our seeds came from Señor Emilio of Barbastro, who has lovingly cultivated this variety for decades, selecting the best genetics year after year. To honour his work, we decided to name the tomato after him!
The Rosa has a long history in Spain’s Aragon region, where families have passed down its seeds for generations. A true embodiment of what “heirloom” means, it now forms part of Barbastro’s agricultural heritage and local pride.
What makes this tomato truly exceptional is the combination of its impressive size — each fruit weighing between 300 and 500 grams — and a remarkable flavour often reserved for smaller varieties. Perfectly balanced between sweetness and low acidity, its aroma consistently elicits a delighted reaction: “Is this what tomatoes can taste like?”
Its thin skin melts away in the mouth and, combined with its dense, meaty flesh, it offers a deeply satisfying experience. We especially love it sliced on toast with a drizzle of olive oil.
The indeterminate plants are vigorous and prolific, growing to approximately 2 m (6–7 ft) in height. Provide sturdy support for climbing, as branches can become heavy with fruit — we’ve seen clusters of up to five 500-gram tomatoes! In such cases, Señor Emilio recommends thinning some flowers to reduce strain on the plant.
We’ve successfully grown the Rosa both in greenhouses and outdoors here on the coast of British Columbia, with no notable issues from pests or disease. As with most tomatoes, regular irrigation is key — the thin skin can crack if watering is inconsistent.
All in all, this may well be the finest tomato we’ve ever grown!