What is "brunoise"

n. 1 A very fine dice. A method of cutting vegetables, usually to the dimensions of 2 mm by 2 mm by 2 mm or less, by julienning and then cutting it many times at a 90 degree angle to the julienne. 2 A mixture of leeks, celery, and carrots chopped in this way.

Brunoise is a culinary knife cut in which the food item is first julienned and then turned a quarter turn and diced again, producing cubes of about 3 mm or less on each side, or 1/8-inch dice. In France, a "brunoise" cut is smaller, 1 to 2 mm on each side, or 1/16-inch dice. Some typical vegetables for a brunoise are carrots, celery, leeks, and turnips. The diced vegetables are blanched briefly in salty boiling water and then submerged in salted ice water for a few seconds to set the color. The brunoise is used as a garnish in many dishes; it is often used to garnish consommé. A brunoise should be consistent in size and shape, as this helps to create a pleasing and professional presentation.