I. Introduction
Onions are a kitchen staple, but their potent aroma can bring tears to your eyes while cutting them. The sulfuric compounds released when you cut into an onion react with moisture in your eyes and create a sulfuric acid which leads to tearing. In this article, we will discuss various methods to cut onions without crying.
II. Chill Onions in the Fridge
Chilling onions before cutting them reduces the irritants released into the air. This method also slows down the conversion of sulfur to acid, making them less potent.
A. Explain how chilling onions before cutting reduces irritants released into the air
Chilling onions causes the sulfur-compounds to break down and create less volatile substances. This chemical reaction helps to reduce the irritants that are released during cutting and, therefore, there will be less tearing.
B. Provide step-by-step instructions for chilling onions in the fridge
To chill an onion, wrap it in a paper towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This will help reduce the volatile substances present in the onion that cause tears.
C. Share tips on how to store onions in the fridge
You can store onions in the fridge for up to two weeks after purchase. However, it’s important to keep them away from foods like cheese or yogurt that they can absorb odor from.
III. Cook the Onions First
Cooking onions before cutting them breaks down the chemical compounds that cause tears. This method significantly reduces the irritants released into the air and can give your onions a great flavor too.
A. Explain how cooking onions before cutting breaks down chemical compounds
When you cook onions, the heat breaks down the sulfur compounds, which in turn breaks down the compound that causes tearing. This reduces the irritation caused during cutting and also makes the onion flavor sweeter and milder.
B. Share different cooking methods that can be used to accomplish this
There are many ways to cook onions, such as grilling, frying, roasting, or baking. Grilling or roasting the onions can give them a smoky flavor, while frying them can give them a crispy texture. Baking them can give them a soft, sweet flavor that can be great in a savory dish.
C. Provide step-by-step instructions for cooking onions before cutting
To cook an onion, cut it in half, and peel off the skin. Dice or slice the onion and cook it in a pan with olive oil or butter over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to caramelize and turn a light brown color.
IV. Wear Eye Protection
Eye protection acts as a barrier between the eyes and the onion, preventing the irritants from reaching the eyes. There are various forms of eye protection that you can use to avoid tearing and to keep your eyes safe.
A. Explain how eye protection acts as a barrier between the eyes and the onion
Eye protection can be something as simple as goggles or safety glasses, which work by preventing the tiny onion particles from entering your eyes. It also covers the moisture that causes the chemical change and prevents it from reacting with your eyes.
B. Provide advice for choosing and using different types of eye protection
Ensure that you pick a protective eye wear which fits properly, so that the onion particles do not get into your eyes. Like traditional goggles or safety glasses, use a similar appliance. Alternatively, you may also use swimming goggles or a snorkeling mask to help keep the irritant at bay.
C. Discuss other benefits of using eye protection, such as preventing injury
Wearing eye protection may prevent eye injuries when handling sharp objects like knives, especially when you are new to cooking. Wearing some kind of eye protection can keep you from a potential danger in the kitchen.
V. Cut Away from Yourself
Cutting into the root end releases fewer irritants, which can prevent you from feeling the urge to tear up. This method also allows you to make smoother, more precise cuts cleanly that make your dish more presentable.
A. Explain how cutting into the root end reduces irritants
The root end of an onion contains the least amount of sulfuric compounds that cause tears. Therefore, cutting the onion into that end releases fewer irritants, making it a suitable place to start cutting.
B. Provide step-by-step instructions for cutting onions in this way
To cut an onion away from yourself, cut off both ends by slicing them off the root end. Peel the onion skin off and lay the onion on the flat surface with the root end directly against the surface. Cut the onion in half, cutting through the center of the root. After that, slice it in whichever direction you want.
C. Discuss safety tips for cutting onions and other vegetables
Always keep your finger and thumb tucked away when slicing, and use a steady hand and a sharp knife to avoid any accidents. Keep knives sharp to make the cutting process simple, fast and safe.
VI. Use Water to Your Advantage
Using water while chopping onions can be an excellent method to stop tearing up. Water can also wash away any irritating substances released by cutting onions.
A. Explain how water helps reduce the amount of irritants released
Water reduces the amount of irritants that reach your eyes. When you cut onions under running water, the sulfuric compound that causes tears dissolves in the running water before it enters your eyes.
B. Provide tips for cutting onions in water and rinsing them under running water
One way to achieve this is to cut the onions in the sink while there is water running. Alternatively, you can let the onions soak in a bowl of water before and during cutting. After you have finished, rinse the onions thoroughly in water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
C. Share potential downsides to these methods
While this method can significantly reduce the tear effect, cutting onions in water may not be ideal and can compromise the flavor of the chopped onions. While rinsing onions under running water seems to be a perfect option, it only works for smaller batches of chopped onions. So decide which way suits your chopping needs better.
VII. Light a Candle near the Chopping Board
Lighting a candle near the chopping board can counter the effects of the irritants released during the cutting process. This method can provide relief to your eyes while you chop onions.
A. Explain how a candle helps neutralize irritants in the air
The flame from the candle burns off the sulfur compounds present in the air, which neutralizes them, thus minimizing irritants in the air. This, in turn, helps reduce the amount of irritants you inhale when cutting onions.
B. Provide instructions for safely lighting a candle near the chopping board
Place a candle holder and a candle at the corner of the chopping board. Light the candle before you start chopping and make sure it does not obstruct your workspace. Always remember to extinguish the candle after you have finished using it and never leave it unattended.
VIII. Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife produces fewer irritants because it crushes fewer cells, and therefore, there are fewer chances of tear-inducing compounds being released from the onion. Using a sharp knife also ensures smooth and even cuts that help with even cooking.
A. Explain how sharp knives produce fewer irritants
A dull blade tends to crush and squeeze rather than slice through. This creates more tiny onion pieces than a sharp knife that slices cleanly through the vegetable, reducing the vapours that cause the tear effect. A sharper knife will help prevent splitting and crushing of the onion.
B. Provide advice on how to sharpen knives
Sharpen your knives after every use with a sharpening tool. For best results, prefer using a whetstone rather than an electric knife sharpener. Hold the knife at an angle of at least 45 degrees and run the sharpening stone over the edge, making sure to sharpen both sides of the blade.
C. Discuss safety tips for using sharp knives
Always use a sharp knife. A dull knife is more dangerous because it requires extra pressure that can lead to slips, which can cause an accident. Keep your fingers tucked out of the way while cutting and be cautious of your workspace.
IX. Conclusion
When it comes to cutting onions without crying, there is no one-fits-all rule; one method may work better for you than the others. Trying various methods and combining them to suit your needs might be the best approach. Keep in mind that onions can vary in potency, so the results can vary depending on the type of onion you are cutting. Use our tips and tricks to master the art of cutting onions without shedding a tear.
