Parts of a Knife and Key Terms

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What is the primary purpose of a fillet knife?

To perform heavy-duty kitchen cutting functions

To slice raw fruits and vegetables

To chop small quantities of food like parsley or nuts

To skin, bone, and fillet fish (correct)

Which knife would be best suited for slicing through a tough ham?

Chef’s knife

Slicer (correct)

Paring knife

Utility knife

What is the French term for a butcher knife?

Boucheron knife (correct)

Boning knife

French knife

Utility knife

Which knife is specifically used for peeling fruits and vegetables?

Paring knife Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing characteristic of a cleaver?

Heavy-duty rectangular shape Signup and view all the answers

Which knife can be used for chopping small quantities of ingredients like parsley or nuts?

Chef’s knife Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a mezzaluna knife?

To chop food on a cutting board or in a wooden bowl Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the guard (hilt) on a knife sharpening steel?

To prevent the thumb and fingers from slipping onto the shaft and getting cut Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a knife sharpening steel?

To hone the cutting edge of a knife Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a sharpening stone?

It is lubricated with water or oil so the knife slides across it smoothly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hanging ring on a knife sharpening steel?

To hang the steel for storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to pick up a knife?

By the handle Signup and view all the answers

What is the translation of the French term 'Brunoise'?

To brown Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper technique for slicing food?

Guide the knife straight through the food with a sharp knife and cut food crosswise, perpendicular to the cutting board. Signup and view all the answers

Which cutting technique involves food cut into matchstick shapes slightly thicker than a julienne?

Bâtonnet Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of food cut using the 'Allumette' technique?

1/8 inch on the sides Signup and view all the answers

What is a Chiffonade cut?

Cutting leaves (such as lettuce or herbs) into thin strips by stacking them, rolling them tightly, and then slicing them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the correct blade length and width for a variety of cuts?

To ensure the food is cut evenly and consistently. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves rubbing or dragging food across a sharply grated metal utensil to shred it into small slivers?

Shredding and grating Signup and view all the answers

Which term is often mistakenly used in place of 'chopping'?

Mincing Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a Rondelle cut and a Diagonal cut?

A Rondelle cut is made by holding the knife perpendicular to the food, while a Diagonal cut is made by holding the knife at a slight angle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between Chopping and Dicing?

Chopping involves cutting food into pieces that are roughly the same size, while Dicing involves cutting food into cube- or matchstick-shaped pieces. Signup and view all the answers

What shape are potatoes, squash, or carrots cut into using the 'Tournee' technique?

Oblong football shapes Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a Julienne cut?

Cutting food into long, thin, matchstick-shaped rectangular pieces, measuring 1/16 of an inch on the sides and 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches long. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bolster on a knife?

To provide balance and weight distribution to the knife Signup and view all the answers

What type of blade edge is typically used on a serrated bread knife?

Serrated edge Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tang on a knife?

To connect the blade to the handle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of blade edge is considered the most precise for cutting?

Double-beveled edge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a chef's knife and a butcher knife?

The butcher knife is used for cutting meat, while the chef's knife is used for general food preparation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the finger guard on a knife?

To protect the user's fingers from the blade Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the heel of a knife blade?

To apply force and power when making tough cuts Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the tang on a knife with an encapsulated handle?

To allow the handle to be molded around the tang Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bolster lip on a knife?

To prevent food particles from getting trapped between the blade and handle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the spine of a knife blade?

To provide stability and support to the blade Signup and view all the answers