ficelles

Ficelles is the French term for strings, cords, or twines and is used to describe a range of thin, flexible threads made from materials such as cotton, hemp, or synthetic fibers. The word derives from ficeler, meaning to tie or bind, reflecting the common use of ficelles as binding material in everyday tasks.

In culinary contexts, ficelles refer both to kitchen string used for tying and trussing meat, poultry, and roasts, and to a type of bread. Kitchen ficelle is the slender twine used to secure flaps or folds during cooking or roasting. Ficelle as a bread name designates a long, thin loaf similar in shape to a baguette but with a smaller diameter; it is commonly found in Parisian bakeries and is favored for dipping or accompanying dishes.

Beyond the kitchen, ficelles serve as general-purpose cords for crafts, packaging, and household use. They are employed for tying, binding, hanging, or fastening items, and come in a range of thicknesses and materials to suit different tasks. In gardening, ficelle or garden twine is used to support plants, train vines, or secure shelving and trellises.

The term ficelle is polyvalent and its exact meaning depends on context, but it consistently refers to a slender, flexible strand used for binding, fastening, or shaping in both domestic and professional settings.