Cutting onions can be a real struggle. You start chopping, and within seconds, your eyes start watering, and it feels like you’re crying for no reason. Many people avoid cooking with onions just because they don’t want to deal with the irritation. But don’t worry—there are simple tricks to cut onions without shedding a tear. With the right techniques, you can chop onions easily without irritating your eyes. Read on to learn why onions make us cry and how to cut them without tears.
Why Do We Cry While Cutting Onions?
Onions contain a natural chemical called sulfenic acid. When you cut an onion, it releases this acid, which then turns into a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas irritates your eyes, making them water as a protective reaction. The good news is that you can reduce or stop this gas from reaching your eyes with some simple methods.
How To Cut An Onion Without Crying?
We’ve curated a list of a few ways how to cut an onion without crying. Here’s the list:
1. Chill the Onion Before Cutting
Cooling the onion slows down the release of the tear-inducing gas. Place the onion in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting. A cold onion releases less gas, meaning less irritation for your eyes.
2. Use a Sharp Knife
A dull knife crushes the onion cells, releasing more of the gas. A sharp knife cuts cleanly, reducing the amount of gas that escapes. It also makes chopping easier and faster.
3. Cut Near a Fan or Ventilation
Good airflow can carry the onion fumes away from your face. Turn on the kitchen fan or exhaust while cutting. You can also cut onions near an open window to let the gas escape.
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4. Soak the Onion in Water
Water helps neutralise the gas before it reaches your eyes. Peel and cut the onion in half, then soak it in water for 10 minutes before chopping. This method works well but may slightly reduce the onion’s flavour.
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5. Breathe Through Your Mouth
Breathing through your nose draws the gas into your eyes. Try breathing through your mouth and sticking your tongue out. This helps pull the gas away from your eyes, reducing irritation.
Try these simple tricks and cut onions without crying.
Image Credits: Freepik
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