Buzz
Have you ever wondered why chopping onions makes you tear up and how to avoid it? Onions have three main parts: a thin outer skin, typically light brown, the juicy, white layers we usually eat, and the 'base leaves' or 'roots.' When you cut off the roots or shoots of an onion, it releases an enzyme. This enzyme reacts with the rest of the onion and produces a gas. When this gas comes into contact with water, it forms an acid, which causes your eyes to produce tears. To prevent 'crying' when cutting onions, try these methods:
Steps
Using Common Tools
Use a sharp knife to cut the onion. The enzyme is released when the onion's cells are broken, so using a sharp knife will cut cleanly and reduce the release of enzymes. Even if you try other tips, always opt for a sharp knife. It will make slicing quicker and more efficient.
Chill the onion in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before chopping. This method reduces the amount of acid enzymes released into the air without affecting the onion's flavor. It was introduced on the Food Detectives show and is considered the most effective way to prevent tears while chopping onions.
- Placing the onion in the fridge is also a good trick. However, be careful not to store it next to apples or potatoes, and don't leave it too long in the fridge (no more than 20 minutes) to avoid any unpleasant odors.
Chop the onion under water. This method is effective, though a bit tricky to pull off. When submerged in water, onions tend to slip unless you pick them up and wait for them to dry before chopping, but that doesn't really solve the problem. If you go for this option, make sure to have a clear strategy before you start.
- Some people even try chopping onions under a running stream of water, but that can be inconvenient. With water flowing, it's hard to keep a firm grip on the onion.
Chop onions near a hot water tap or steam. Steam from a kettle or boiling pot is quite effective. It absorbs and dissolves the onion's fumes.
Breathe through your mouth and stick out your tongue while chopping onions. The gases released from the onion will interact with the moisture on your tongue. As a result, the sensory nerves near the tear ducts won’t be triggered, preventing you from tearing up. If you breathe through your nose as usual, your eyes will definitely start watering immediately!
Soak the onion in water before chopping. The enzymes from the onion will dissolve in the water. However, this method can dull the onion's flavor and make the onion slippery, making it harder to cut. If you don't mind the milder taste, you might want to give this method a try.
Cut the onion horizontally. Since the flesh of the onion is tubular in shape, slicing it horizontally will help prevent onion droplets from getting into your eyes.
- However, a slight breeze can still blow the irritating vapors straight into your eyes, so be mindful of the wind direction. When using a fan, ensure it’s pointed the right way.
Whistle while chopping the onion. Whistling creates a stream of air that helps blow the onion fumes away from your eyes. Pick a catchy tune that will keep you whistling non-stop. This way, you can chop onions comfortably without worrying about eye irritation.
Suck on a piece of bread. Many people believe that chewing, especially chewing bread, prevents tears when chopping onions. Chew slowly, keeping the bread just outside your mouth. This will moisten your mouth, and although it might feel a bit odd, it helps keep your eyes from stinging.
- Some also recommend chewing gum. While there’s no scientific explanation for this, you could give it a try and see if it works for you.
Come up with new techniques
Wear protective glasses or a mask. If you have a pair of well-fitting swimming goggles or lab safety glasses that cover your eyes completely, wear them while chopping onions. No fumes will get into your eyes! However, if the glasses don’t fit snugly, your eyes will still tear up.
- Be cautious with goggles that claim to fit all face shapes. They often don’t provide a perfect seal. And if you wear prescription glasses, you might want to try another method.
Cut onions in a well-ventilated area such as under a range hood, near a fan, or by an open window. This method will help blow the onion fumes away from your eyes. You can chop onions directly on the stove and turn the range hood on high to draw the fumes upwards. Alternatively, you can slice the onions near an open window or outside.
Use acid solutions. Acidic or ionized solutions can alter the enzymes in onions. Here are some methods you can try at home:
- Apply vinegar to the cutting board. The acid in the vinegar will disrupt the enzymes.
- Soak onions in salty water. This also disrupts the enzymes but may change the flavor of the onions.
Light a candle. Light a candle and place it near the cutting board where you're slicing the onions. The burning flame will absorb the onion fumes.
- However, this method may not be highly effective. Some people say the candle merely gives off a pleasant scent without truly helping. Nevertheless, it does make your kitchen smell nice!
- Don't forget to blow out the candle once you're finished cutting the onions.
Tips
- Sweet onions like Vidalias will make your eyes water less. You might want to try using sweet onions instead of regular ones.
- Cut onions last, after you've completed the rest of your prep (if possible). This way, you won't have to endure the onion smell for too long in the kitchen.
- Chew gum while chopping onions. The continuous movement of your mouth can help prevent tears from forming.
- Use chilled onions, if possible. This can reduce the irritation in your eyes.
- Alternatively, you can strike a match (but not a gas lighter) to burn off the sulfur compounds, which will absorb the enzymes.
Warning
- Be careful when slicing onions with a sharp knife to avoid injury.
Items You Will Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Water (most methods require this)
- Fridge/freezer (optional)
- Safety glasses (optional)
- Candle (optional)
- Bread or chewing gum (optional)
- Vinegar or saltwater (optional)
- Contact lenses
