Joinery types | International joinery techniques

In our daily kitchen life, the first step before we start food preparation is the chopping process. The right chopping techniques form the basis of a delicious and eye-catching dish. By cutting the food into the desired shapes with the right cutting techniques, both visually aesthetic presentations can be made and the dishes cooked more homogeneously.

Chopping can be done in several ways in the kitchen. Each chopping technique aims to cut and prepare food in different ways. It is possible to prepare food in desired sizes and shapes with different techniques such as cutting, chopping, slicing and grating.

In addition to adding flavor and a visual feast to the meal, learning proper chopping techniques will help you save time in the kitchen and keep things going in a more organized way. With the right choice of knives and skillful use of cutting techniques, you will also feel more confident in the kitchen and prepare your meals like a pro.

Chopping species

These chopping methods help you diversify the shapes and presentation of foods. Each chopping method allows you to get different cuts and increases the visual appeal of your dishes. By using the right methods while chopping in the kitchen, you can prepare meals that are both delicious and visually impressive.

1. Chop cubes

Cube chopping is a method used to cut food into cubes. It is especially preferred for dicing vegetables such as onions, potatoes and carrots. This method allows you to get neat and evenly cut ingredients.

2. Julienne Joinery

Julienne chopping is a method of cutting into long, thin strips. It is mainly used for an aesthetic appearance in vegetables as a garnish or salads. In this method, the vegetables are first cut into thin strips and then cut lengthwise into thin strips.

3. Brunoise heels

Chopping Brunoise is a method of chopping small and regular dice. It is generally used to dice vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery. In this method, the materials are first cut into thin strips and then chopped into small cubes.

4. Chop bird’s head

The bird’s head chopping method is used to cut vegetables or fruits into round, rounded pieces. It is especially preferred for cutting potatoes, carrots or cucumbers in the shape of a bird’s head. In this method, materials are cut into round shapes.

5. Diagonal Joinery

Diagonal joinery is a method in which materials are cut diagonally. It is often used to present vegetables or meat for a more elegant look. In this method, materials are cut at an angle of 45 degrees.

6. Chop chiffonade

The chiffonade cutting method is used to cut leafy vegetables into thin strips. It is especially preferred when using leafy greens such as mint, basil or spinach for decorative purposes or in salads.

7. Cutting

The slicing method is used to cut food into thin slices. Meat, fish, vegetables or fruit are sliced ​​with thin and sharp knives such as a carving knife or a filleting knife. The cutting method is ideal for obtaining sliced ​​ingredients for use in sandwiches, grills or presentations.

8. Dice

The cutting method is used to cut food into small cubes. It is preferable to obtain regular cubes of equal size, such as the cutting method. This method is useful when you need to use diced vegetables for meals or side dishes.

Chopping tools used in the kitchen and their importance

When preparing food in the kitchen, it is important to use the right chopping tools. Proper blades and chopping techniques ensure that food is sliced, sliced, or chopped properly. Here’s what you need to know about the cutting tools used in the kitchen and their importance:

The chef’s knife

The chef’s knife is the most used and indispensable tool in the kitchen. This medium-sized knife is ideal for chopping meat, vegetables and fruit. Having a sharp and durable knife makes your kitchen work easier.

Santoku knife

Santoku knife is a special chopping tool from Japanese cuisine. It has a similar use to a chef’s knife, but has a shorter and wider blade structure. The Santoku knife is an effective option for accurately chopping vegetables and meat.

paring knife

The paring knife is used to easily peel fruits and vegetables. With the paring knife, which has a long, thin and pointed blade, you can perform the chopping process quickly and precisely.

Cutting knife

The carving knife is used to cut food such as meat, chicken, fish into thin slices. It has a long, thin and flexible leaf structure. With the carving knife you can make perfect cuts and make presentations more elegant.

Vegetable knife

It is a knife specially designed for chopping vegetables. It has a small and light structure. Ideal for cutting, chopping and slicing vegetables. With a sharp knife you can process your vegetables quickly and easily.

Bread knife

You use the bread knife to easily cut fresh or crusty bread. It has a long, serrated and saw-like leaf structure. This knife cuts the slices of bread neatly and cleanly and prevents them from falling apart.

The importance of using the right chopping tools is huge in kitchen work. The right knives ensure that food is prepared the right way, saves time and effort, and ultimately makes for a better dining experience. At the same time, chopping tools can prevent injuries when used safely.

Practical tips for developing chopping skills in the kitchen

Being able to chop accurately and quickly in the kitchen is a big advantage when preparing food. Check out the following practical suggestions to improve your chopping skills:

Choosing the right knife

It is important to use the correct blade when chopping. There are blades specially designed for different materials. A universal chef’s knife can be suitable for many cutting tasks. Also, using a sharp knife makes for a more controlled and easier chopping process.

Correct gripping technique

Holding the blade correctly will make chopping easier and ensure your safety. Hold the knife firmly and make sure you have the right balance between the palm and the knife. Keep your fingers on the side of the blade, not on it, and guide the blade safely as you chop.

Smooth cutting technique

It is important to use neat cutting techniques to cut food correctly. Slowly move the blade back and forth as you cut the material and monitor the blade closely during the cutting process. Making the cut in a straight and controlled manner will give you evenly cut ingredients.

Transaction speed and rhythm

Speed ​​and rhythm are important in chopping operations. With practice you can chop faster and work more efficiently. However, you must be careful while working fast and you must not forget about your safety. You can start slowly at first and increase your speed over time.

Maintain sharp blades

A sharp blade makes chopping easier and safer. To keep your knife sharp, you can have it sharpened regularly or take it to a professional sharpener. It is also important to clean and store your knife properly.

Excercise

It is important to practice regularly to improve your chopping skills. Find the opportunity to chop different foods, try different chopping techniques and practice different recipes. As you practice, your chopping skills will improve and you will be able to chop more comfortably.

What is Blade Edge Joinery?

Various techniques are used in kitchen joinery and we can achieve different results with each of these techniques. Knife edge chopping is one of these chopping techniques. So, what is knife cutting?

Knife-edge chopping is the process of chopping food with the back of the knife. This method does not use the cutting edge of the knife, but the thick and flat back of the knife. This method can be performed more safely because the blunt part of the blade is used.

The knife-edge cutting method is generally preferred for chopping small ingredients such as onions, garlic, chillies or herbs. When you want to make fine chops or when you want to cut the material without crushing it, the knife-edge chopping method can be used.

To apply this method, first prepare the material you want to chop well. Then place the back of the blade on the material and press the blade down with light pressure. This way you chop the material into the desired sizes or shapes.

The knife-edge chopping method gives better results when using a sharp knife. The straight and thick spine of the knife ensures a more controlled chopping process. However, be careful when chopping with this method and make sure the blade fits snugly into the material.

Which knives should I use for chopping?

It is best to choose a universal chef’s knife for chopping. A chef’s knife is a sharp blade of suitable length for chopping a variety of foods. You may also need special knives, such as a paring knife for chopping fruits and vegetables and a bread knife for slicing bread or pastries.

What is the difference between dicing and brunoise chopping?

Cube chopping is a technique used to cut food into cubes. You first cut the food into strips and then into cubes. Chopping Brunoise is a technique used to produce smaller and more regular cubes. You must first cut the food into thin strips and then cut it into cubes.

Which chopping technique should I use on which food?

The julienne chop is ideal for vegetables to use in garnishes or salads. Dicing is generally preferred for neatly slicing vegetables or meat. Chopping chiffonade is suitable for leafy greens or herbs that you want to cut into thin strips. Keep in mind that each chopping technique works better with certain foods, but you can also experiment to discover your own preferences.

How can I improve my chopping skills?

Regular practice is important to improve your chopping skills. Find the opportunity to chop different foods, try different chopping techniques and practice different recipes. It is also important to learn proper blade selection, gripping technique and cutting techniques. By starting slowly at first, you can increase your speed over time and become a more skilled joiner.

How is the knife-edge chopping method used?

The knife-edge method of chopping involves cutting food with the thick and straight back of the blade rather than the cutting edge. To apply this method, first prepare the material you want to chop well. Then place the back of the blade on the material and press the blade down with light pressure. This way you chop the material into the desired sizes or shapes. The knife-edge cutting method is suitable for fine chopping or cutting without crushing the material.