Cultivated since the late 19th century, the Marmande tomato arrived in the region after a phylloxera epidemic in 1863, which prompted the winegrowers to give up vines in favour of the tomato. The latter was brought back from the Andes in the 16th century by the Spanish, and in their quest to make an early-ripening variety, farmers in the region created the Marmande tomato, a cross between Pondorosa and Mikado.
Flat and ribbed, the Marmande tomato has firm, very fragrant flesh and tastes especially sweet thanks to the large amounts of sunshine it enjoys. It is very popular as a stuffed tomato because it is very juicy, but it also goes well in salads.
Every year in July, the town of Marmande hosts the Tomato Fiesta in partnership with the brotherhood of the tomato. You can enjoy a parade, bandas, concerts, a farmers' market, a tomato contest and cookery workshops.