Baton, Bâtonnet, and Julienne

Baton, from the French bâton, meaning “stick,” is a thick stick with a square on each end and long sides, and is otherwise known as pont-neuf (thick cut). Standard size is considered a square end of 1 to 2 centimeters with a length of up to 8 centimeters. A 1-centimeter baton is the beginning of the dice chop, or cube.

Bâtonnet, which is French for “little stick,” is thinner, usually ½-centimeter square end and 5 centimeters long. This is how you set up the perfect small dice.

Julienne, the matchstick cut, is also known as allumette, which means “matchstick” in French. It is usually the same length as the bâtonnet, but half the thickness, ranging from ¼ to ⅓ of a centimeter. Julienne is the beginning cut for a fine dice or brunoise cut.