The priest's almond grove. Mosen Rafael Ayerbe

May 2025

In Alquezar, near the Collegiate Church, there is a place known as the priest's almond grove where there are still some old almond trees. That is where Mosén Rafael Ayerbe carried out his research.

Rafael Ayerbe was born in 1872, in Radiquero, studied ecclesiastical studies at the Seminary of Huesca and graduated in Theology in Zaragoza. In 1899 he was appointed archpriest of the Collegiate Church of Santa María de Álquezar where he remained for the rest of his life.

He soon noted with concern the difficulties faced by local farmers in their almond crops. A caring and compassionate man, he decided to dedicate his free time to his research and improvement. Interested in agriculture and botany, he began to experiment with different species in a small stony and arid terrain next to the Collegiate Church of Alquezar, which was soon called the priest's almond grove or orchard.

His main contribution was the development of grafting techniques that revolutionized cultivation. Their method, known as "the Ayerbe graft", made it possible to take advantage of wild almond trees as rootstocks, significantly improving the adaptation of the new varieties to the terrain and achieving a surprising result in terms of fruit yield.

Through years of patient experimentation in the fields of Alquézar, he managed to create more resistant and productive species. Among its most outstanding achievements is the selection and improvement of local almond species, obtaining specimens that combined excellent fruit quality with greater resistance to frost, one of the main problems affecting crops in the area. Their research focused especially on obtaining late-flowering varieties, which significantly reduced the risk of losses due to spring frosts.

The almond, known as "Desmayo Largueta", represents one of the most emblematic and significant varieties of Spanish agricultural heritage. The name largueta derives from its characteristic elongated and flattened shape, which distinguishes it from other species and the desmayo one because its branches and leaves fall downwards creating a weeping or "fainting" appearance, giving it a unique appearance among other almond trees. It has excellent organoleptic qualities. The bean has an exceptional sweet flavour and a smooth texture that makes it particularly appreciated in the confectionery industry and direct consumption. Its oil content and the quality of its proteins position it as a premium variety on the market. The largueta almond has become one of the most important traditional varieties in Spain, particularly in Aragon, Catalonia and other regions of the Ebro Valley.

The improvements introduced by Mosén Ayerbe made it possible to obtain more resistant and productive trees, while maintaining the qualitative characteristics that make it unique, a benchmark in the almond sector. The systematization of the techniques he developed contributed, on the other hand, to the expansion of cultivation.

In addition to his technical contributions, Ayerbe stood out for his social and educational work. He generously shared his knowledge with local farmers, organizing talks and hands-on demonstrations. He undertook an intense work of dissemination through writings and conferences until his knowledge spread throughout Aragon. He was part of the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation and appointed a member of the Academy of Sciences of Zaragoza.

The dissemination of their knowledge was not limited to the local level. Farmers from all over Spain began to take an interest in his methods and his work transcended borders. It aroused the interest of almond producers in other countries, especially Italy and France, and contributed significantly to the development of almond cultivation in the Mediterranean basin.

He published "The Desmayo almond tree. Its cultivation, land, multiplication, grafting, pruning, harvesting, advantages over other varieties" (Huesca. 1922) and "Notebook of practical cujltivation of Desmayo Almond tree" (Huesca, 1923).

In 1926 he was awarded the Great Cross of Agricultural Merit and the Plaza Mayor of the town of Alquézar was named after him. He died in October of this year a few days before the Exhibition of Farm Products in Zaragoza awarded the Gold Medal to the Desmayo almond tree.

His legacy endures to this day. His research laid the foundations for further studies on almond tree cultivation and its varieties. The importance of his work was recognized by both the scientific community and farmers.

Mosen Rafael Ayerbe represents an exceptional example of how dedication and practical research can transform a productive sector. His work not only improved the lives of farmers in our region, but contributed significantly to the development of almond cultivation nationally and internationally.

Its footprint lives on in today's cultivation techniques and in the improved varieties that continue to be a benchmark in the sector. The figure of Ayerbe reminds us of the importance of innovation and how local knowledge, combined with systematic experimentation, can generate significant advances in agriculture. Their work represents a model of commitment to rural development and the improvement of the living conditions of the community.

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