a plum tomato

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plum tomato" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of tomato that is oval or cylindrical in shape, often used in cooking or salads. Example: "For the pasta sauce, make sure to use a plum tomato for the best flavor and texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When one is in such a state, biting into a plum tomato can portend bloody vengeance.

The New Yorker

It had a plum tomato sauce bolstered by roasted garlic and baby spinach.

The New York Times

An entree of grilled swordfish accompanied by herb butter, orzo and a plum tomato confit made a fine, if somewhat plain, meal.

The New York Times

An offering of sautéed jumbo shrimp in a plum tomato sauce with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach tasted fine but had only four shrimp.

The New York Times

It is understood among marketers that with few exceptions, Olympic athletes as product endorsers have the shelf life of a plum tomato.

The New York Times - Style

Service was still a bit slow, but our choices worked out better, especially a starter of arancini — panko-crusted saffron rice balls with a fresh mozzarella filling and a plum tomato purée — served piping hot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Also good were the Chilean sea bass with cherry tomatoes, capers and shallots on a bed of sautéed spinach, and four veal scaloppine sautéed with garlic, capers and olives in a chunky plum tomato sauce, with a very light glaze of melted fresh mozzarella.

The New York Times

There were also a few pieces of grilled onion and green pepper on the plate along with a buttery rice pilaf and a cooked plum tomato.

Los Angeles Times

Pasta verdure was a vegetarian delight, a grilled vegetable medley with curlicue cavatappi pasta in a charred plum tomato sauce.

The New York Times

And one pasta dish, garganelli in a fresh plum tomato sauce, with julienned vegetables and basil, was an overcooked morass with no distinctive flavors.

The New York Times

Start with the tender Prince Edward Island mussels in a spicy plum tomato broth ($11).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a type of tomato for sauces or cooking, use "a plum tomato" to indicate its shape and suitability for those purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "a plum tomato" interchangeably with other tomato varieties like beefsteak or heirloom, as each has distinct characteristics affecting flavor and texture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plum tomato" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of tomato. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Food

24%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plum tomato" is a noun phrase that correctly identifies a specific type of tomato, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly used in news and media contexts related to food, and serves the purpose of specifying a particular variety of tomato, often in culinary discussions. While not as frequent as some other culinary terms, it is a valuable descriptor for those seeking to differentiate this tomato from others, particularly when discussing recipes or gardening.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Roma tomato

Refers to a very similar variety of tomato, often used interchangeably.

Italian plum tomato

Specifies the origin of the plum tomato, adding a layer of detail.

Paste tomato

Highlights the culinary use of the tomato for making sauces and pastes.

Canned plum tomatoes

Indicates the preserved form of plum tomatoes, useful for cooking.

Fresh plum tomatoes

Emphasizes the use of tomatoes that are not processed or preserved.

San Marzano tomato

A specific type of plum tomato known for its superior flavor and quality.

Oblong tomato

Describes the shape of the tomato, focusing on its elongated form.

Cooking tomato

General term for tomatoes suitable for cooking, including plum tomatoes.

Sauce tomato

Highlights the use of the tomato specifically for making sauces.

Red tomato

Refers to the color of the tomato, a common characteristic of plum tomatoes.

FAQs

How can I use "a plum tomato" in a sentence?

You might say, "I prefer to use "a plum tomato" for making tomato sauce because of its dense flesh and low water content."

What is another name for "a plum tomato"?

Another name for "a plum tomato" is "Roma tomato", which refers to a very similar type of tomato.

Is there a difference between "a plum tomato" and a regular tomato?

Yes, "a plum tomato", also known as a Roma tomato, is an oblong shape with a firmer texture and fewer seeds than a regular round tomato, making it ideal for sauces and canning.

When should I use "a plum tomato" instead of other tomatoes?

Use "a plum tomato" when you need a tomato with less water content and a denser texture, such as when making sauces, pastes, or canning tomatoes. Other tomatoes might make the sauce too watery.