Onions are a very nutritious vegetable and have a wide range of uses in cooking. They can be used raw, fried, pickled, or boiled. However, before onions make it to our plates, they need to be chopped. And this brings up a completely reasonable question – how can you cut onions without tears?
Why Do People Cry When Cutting Onions?
Almost everyone has experienced tearing up while chopping onions. When an onion is cut, the cell walls are broken, releasing enzymes and sulfur compounds. This reaction produces a specific enzyme that, when combined with sulfenic acids, triggers a chemical reaction. As a result, a gas called propanethial S-oxide is released into the air. This gas spreads quickly and reaches the eyes. The unique property of this gas is that upon contact with tear fluid, it forms sulfuric acid, which irritates the eyes and causes tears.
Main Ways to Cut Onions Without Tears
Cut Onions Near an Open Flame
Position yourself close to the stove with the burners turned on or place a lit candle on the table. The key is to ensure that the heat from the flame reaches you directly. The fire will burn off any irritants released into the air. However, this method works only if you are close enough to the flame.
Cut Onions in Water
Another effective way to prevent the spread of irritating compounds is to use water while chopping onions. The best method is to fully submerge the onion in a bowl of water before cutting. Onions chopped this way will not cause tears.
Wet the Onion or Knife with Cold Water
If you don’t want to deal with bowls and pots, simply wet your knife with cold water or splash some water on your face before cutting. This will help dissolve the irritating compounds before they reach your eyes. If you have more time, you can peel the onion, cut it in half, and soak it in cool water for 10–15 minutes. This soaking process reduces the concentration of sulfur compounds, making it safer for your eyes.
Chill the Onion Before Cutting
An easier way to reduce irritation is to freeze the onion. Simply peel it, cut it in half, and place it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. Then, remove it and chop it as quickly as possible. Freezing does not eliminate the sulfur compounds but slows down their release into the air. However, once the onion warms up, it will start causing tears again.
Chewing Gum Can Also Help
When you chew gum, you breathe primarily through your mouth. This makes it harder for the irritating compounds to reach your eyes. It is best to use a mint-flavored gum, as it can help reduce the onion’s irritating effects on the mucous membranes.
There are many more ways to prevent eye irritation while cutting onions, but these methods should be sufficient to solve the problem. And don’t be afraid of “onion tears” – the vapors from onions can actually have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes, acting as a preventive remedy for colds and the flu.
So, before onions make it to our plates, they need to be chopped – but how can you do it without tears?