The Valencia tomato is an heirloom that can be traced back to Maine. Past that, its origins are in dispute. Some say it comes from Valencia, Spain. This seems unlikely to me since the Valencia likes cool weather, but maybe the farmers of Valencia grew them in late winter or very early spring when the weather is cool. Others say the name comes from the fact that the tomato looks like a Valencia orange.
Either way, this heirloom produces early and has a sweet flavor. In fact many of my friends say it is their favorite of the heirlooms we grow. It has lower acid than many of the red tomatoes, but is well balanced and not so low in acid that you don't get a true tomato flavor.
Few people grow the Valencia and it is considered to be endangered. So, we will definitely be growing more of this tomato in the future.
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i'm currently growing 1 valencia plant (writing this on 27-oct, plant about 50 days.) it's in a 5 gal. pot on my south-facing second floor balcony. i live at the beach where temps are mild and sun is amplified by reflection off the water.
fruit is setting nicely and nearly every branch has buds and blossoms. i've had 1 caterpillar show up, but otherwise no signs of bugs or fungus.
i plant to harvest seeds from a few fruit and maybe next do a window box full of these. i'm also going to try growing a couple upside-down.
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