Compilation of 8 effective tips for cutting onions without causing eye irritation

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1. Why cutting onions makes you cry

2. Utilize the microwave

3. Slice onions under running water

4. Wear protective eyewear

5. Turn on a fan or chop onions near a breezy window

6. Chew gum continuously

7. Chill onions in the fridge before cutting

8. Use vinegar

9. Use a candle

Onions offer numerous benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, flu prevention, heart health, blood sugar control, and even cancer prevention. However, cutting onions often leads to eye irritation and tears. Here are 8 tips for cutting onions without causing eye irritation that you can try out.

1. Why cutting onions makes you cry

The reason is that onions release a chemical that irritates our eyes, making them watery. A compound called propyl sulfoxide found in onions is released into the air when you cut onion slices.

Upon contact with moisture, such as the water vapor in the air or the natural moisture around your eyes, it converts to sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid has a strong odor and irritates the eyes, triggering the production of tears to flush it out.

Understanding this mechanism, there are several tips to avoid tearing up when cutting onions, as detailed below.

2. Utilize the microwave

To avoid the sting of cutting onions, place the onion in the microwave for 10 to 40 seconds (depending on size) before chopping. The microwave will deactivate sulfur compounds, preventing eye irritation. This is an effective method for tear-free onion cutting.

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3. Slice onions under running water

Slicing onions under a gentle stream of water or soaking them before cutting can also prevent eye irritation. This helps dissolve sulfur compounds in water, keeping eyes from becoming hot, watery, or irritated.

4. Wear protective eyewear

Another tip for cutting onions without tearing up is to wear tight swimming goggles. This method prevents propane thiol S-oxide from reaching the eyes, eliminating any chance of gland irritation.

5. Turn on a fan or chop onions near a breezy window

The simplest method is to turn on a gentle fan blowing across, which disperses propane thiol S-oxide – the compound that easily vaporizes when onions are cut. This gas, when unable to come into contact with eye moisture, won't cause irritation. Alternatively, stand near an open window for ventilation or turn on a range hood for similar effects.

6. Chew gum continuously

Another trick to prevent onion tears is to chew gum or any food while cutting onions. This encourages mouth breathing, allowing saliva droplets in the oral cavity to absorb propane thiol S-oxide, preventing it from reaching the eyes.

7. Chill onions in the fridge before cutting

Place onions in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes to slow down the activity of enzymes responsible for chemical reactions.

8. Use vinegar

Mix vinegar with water, moisten the cutting board with this mixture before slicing onions, which is quite an effective method. Vinegar has the ability to halt the sulfur reaction, making slicing onions easier. However, be mindful of the amount of vinegar, as using too much can alter the taste of onions.

9. Use a candle

You can also use a candle to alleviate eye irritation when cutting onions by: Lighting a candle near the cutting board, the heat emitted from the candle can burn off some of the gas released from the onions.

Here is a compilation of 8 effective tips for cutting onions without tears. Hopefully, these tips from Mytour will be helpful to you in your daily cooking.

Compilation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the irritation and tears when cutting onions?

When cutting onions, they release a chemical called propyl sulfoxide. This compound reacts with moisture in the air or on your eyes to form sulfuric acid, which irritates the eyes and causes tears.

How can I cut onions without causing my eyes to tear up?

To prevent tears while cutting onions, try several techniques: microwave the onion before cutting, slice under running water, or wear protective eyewear. Each method helps reduce eye irritation effectively.

Is it effective to chill onions in the refrigerator before cutting them?

Yes, chilling onions in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes slows down the enzymes responsible for releasing irritating compounds, making the cutting process more comfortable and reducing tears significantly.

Can using vinegar help reduce eye irritation while slicing onions?

Yes, using a mixture of vinegar and water on the cutting board before slicing onions can effectively halt the sulfur reaction that causes irritation. However, be cautious with the amount of vinegar used to avoid altering the taste.

What are some unconventional methods to avoid tearing when cutting onions?

Unconventional methods include chewing gum while cutting onions, using a candle to burn off gases, or turning on a fan to disperse the irritating compounds. These techniques can help you chop onions more comfortably.