The daily dance with a new crossword puzzle is a ritual many of us cherish, a mental workout that sharpens our wits and expands our vocabulary. Every grid presents its unique challenges, from the deceptively simple definitions to the intricate wordplay of a cryptic crossword clue that demands a complete shift in perspective. But there’s a special satisfaction in those descriptive clues that ask us to distill the essence of an object, a feeling, or in today’s case, a particular type of produce.
Our focus for today’s crossword clue analysis brings us to the garden, or perhaps more accurately, the canning jar: “Like plum tomatoes.” This isn’t just a simple query; it’s an invitation to delve into the very nature of these beloved fruits and understand what makes them distinct. For seasoned puzzle solvers, such a clue immediately triggers a cascade of associations, a mental sifting through adjectives that perfectly capture their defining characteristics.
When we encounter a crossword clue like “Like plum tomatoes,” the first step is always to visualize. What comes to mind? Their shape is undoubtedly prominent—they aren’t round and bulbous like beefsteaks, nor cherry-sized. They possess a distinctive form, often described with terms that hint at their elongated or cylindrical nature. This visual aspect is often a key indicator for solving crosswords, as many descriptive clues lean heavily on appearance.
Beyond shape, think about their texture and composition. Plum tomatoes, particularly varieties like Roma or San Marzano, are renowned for their firm, meaty flesh. They contain fewer seeds and less water than many other tomato varieties, making them ideal for specific culinary applications. If you’ve ever made a rich pasta sauce from scratch, you’ll know their value. This firmness and density, their inherent “solidity,” is another characteristic that puzzle solvers will scrutinize when trying to pinpoint the perfect adjective for this crossword clue. What words encapsulate this structural integrity, this resistance to being overly juicy or soft?
Consider their primary uses. Plum tomatoes are the workhorses of the culinary world, often chosen for sauces, pastes, canning, and sun-drying. Why? Because their attributes – that firm flesh, lower water content, and often a concentrated, sweet flavor – make them particularly well-suited for these processes. The way they behave when cooked down or preserved speaks volumes about their inherent qualities. A descriptive crossword clue like this implicitly asks us to think about the
function
derived from their form and composition. Are we looking for a word that describes their robust nature, their compact form, or their suitability for transformation?
The beauty of tackling a crossword clue like “Like plum tomatoes” lies in the journey of deduction. It’s not just about knowing the answer; it’s about understanding
why
that answer fits so perfectly. It’s about engaging with the vocabulary, considering synonyms for shape, texture, and purpose. It’s about lateral thinking, eliminating distractors, and focusing on the core attributes that distinguish plum tomatoes from their rounder, juicier cousins. Every attribute – their distinctive outline, their internal makeup, their culinary destiny – serves as a breadcrumb trail for the intrepid puzzle solver.
For those of us dedicated to solving crosswords, each clue is a miniature mystery. This particular crossword clue, “Like plum tomatoes,” tests our powers of observation, our culinary knowledge, and our lexical dexterity. It reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward descriptive clues can hide layers of nuance, waiting for the curious mind to uncover them. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
OBLONG.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Joseph A. Gangi / Ed. Patti Varol