beefsteak tomato: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “beefsteak tomato” mean?
A very large, thick-fleshed, meaty variety of tomato, typically red and with an irregular shape, favoured for slicing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, thick-fleshed, meaty variety of tomato, typically red and with an irregular shape, favoured for slicing.
A specific cultivar or type of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) known for its substantial size, firm texture, and high yield, often used in sandwiches, salads, and cooking where a solid tomato presence is desired.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is used identically in both varieties. Spelling conventions for the compound may vary (hyphenated 'beefsteak-tomato' or solid 'beefsteaktomato' are less common but possible).
Connotations
Neutral agricultural/culinary descriptor in both regions. May carry a slight connotation of traditional, 'heirloom' gardening in the US.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the popularity of home gardening and farmer's market culture, but well-understood in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “beefsteak tomato” in a Sentence
grow a beefsteak tomatoslice the beefsteak tomatoa beefsteak tomato [that/which]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beefsteak tomato” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She planted a beefsteak tomato seedling in her greenhouse.
- I'm looking for a good beefsteak-tomato recipe.
American English
- We're growing beefsteak tomato plants this year.
- He made a classic beefsteak tomato sandwich.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural supply, seed catalogues, and fresh produce retail.
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, and agricultural science texts.
Everyday
Used in cooking, gardening discussions, and shopping for vegetables.
Technical
A specific cultivar classification in horticulture; may be referred to by specific strain names (e.g., 'Brandywine', 'Mortgage Lifter').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beefsteak tomato”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beefsteak tomato”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beefsteak tomato”
- Misspelling as 'beef stake tomato' or 'beefsteak tomahto'.
- Using it as a general term for any large tomato (it refers to specific varieties).
- Pronouncing 'beefsteak' with a pause between 'beef' and 'steak'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Beefsteak' refers to specific cultivars of tomato known for their very large size, firm, dense flesh, and often irregular shape. They are a type of slicing tomato.
You can, but they are less ideal than paste tomatoes (like Roma) because they have more water and seeds. They are best used fresh in sandwiches, salads, or simply sliced.
The name is metaphorical, comparing the substantial, 'meaty' texture and satisfying mouthfeel of the tomato to that of a beef steak. It emphasizes its role as a hearty, central ingredient.
They require similar conditions to other tomatoes: full sun, consistent watering, and support for their heavy fruit. Some heirloom beefsteak varieties can be more susceptible to disease than modern hybrid varieties.
A very large, thick-fleshed, meaty variety of tomato, typically red and with an irregular shape, favoured for slicing.
Beefsteak tomato is usually informal, culinary in register.
Beefsteak tomato: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːfsteɪk təˈmɑːtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbifsteɪk təˈmeɪɾoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a steak: thick, substantial, and good for a main part of a meal. A BEEFSTEAK TOMATO is the 'steak' of the tomato world – big and meaty, perfect for the centre of a sandwich.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANTS/FOOD ARE ANIMALS (The tomato is metaphorically labelled by a cut of meat, emphasizing substance and satisfying texture).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a beefsteak tomato?