The “Mémé de Beauce” tomato has a story as mysterious as it is touching. In 1995, nearly 300 unidentified tomato seeds were discovered in a house that had been abandoned for several years in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce . Neighbors confirmed that no vegetable garden had been cultivated at that address for over 60 years . These dormant seeds thus survived the years, untouched, in the shadows.

The seeds were entrusted to Mr. Gérard Parent , who germinated three of them. Despite the intervention of specialist Antoine D'Avignon , the variety could not be identified. It was thus named “Mémé de Beauce,” an implicit homage to the gardeners of yesteryear, silent guardians of seeds and knowledge.

In the garden, this tomato stands out for its impressive production of giant fruits , frequently reaching nearly 1 kg , sometimes even more. The fruits are fleshy, multi-locular , and covered with a thin pink to red skin . At full maturity, their flesh becomes very tender, almost melting, making it a remarkable tomato for juices and sauces.

The plant, with indeterminate growth , can reach 1.4 to 2 meters in height . Its vigor and the exceptional weight of its fruit require sturdy support , otherwise the stems may break. It exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew, which contributes to its consistent performance in cultivation despite its unusual characteristics.

In the ecumene, “Mémé de Beauce” is perceived as a tomato of resilience and transmission . It embodies the ability of seeds to cross decades and reappear when someone takes the time to observe, sow and accompany life.