crosswise into 2-inch-long pieces

This appears to be a culinary cutting technique instruction rather than an ingredient itself. "Crosswise into 2-inch-long pieces" refers to a method of slicing food at a perpendicular angle to its length, resulting in uniform segments approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) in dimension. This technique is commonly applied to elongated vegetables, proteins, and other cylindrical foodstuffs to create consistent pieces for even cooking and presentation.

This cutting technique is employed across numerous cuisines and applications. It is frequently used for vegetables such as celery, carrots, and green beans; proteins including fish fillets and poultry; and pasta or noodles. The uniform sizing ensures consistent cooking times and creates visually appealing presentations in stir-fries, soups, salads, and composed dishes. The 2-inch length is particularly suited to stir-frying, braising, and side dish preparations where pieces should be substantial enough to remain identifiable yet small enough for convenient eating.