6 Tips For Cutting Onions Without Tears

We know how annoying the burning sensation in the eyes that occurs after cutting an onion. Find out how not to shed a tear.

We all know how disturbing the burning sensation in the eyes that occurs after cutting onions is. This is why we invite you here to discover our tips for cutting onions without tears.

Most people who peel and chop onions end up crying, so much so that if someone walked into the room they might think something bad happened. What is certain is that this painful sensation has nothing to do with negative emotions, although it is certain that it makes us cry bitterly and that it can cause some despair!

When you cut onions, a substance called alliinase is released. It is this that emits the irritant molecule called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, or propanethial, which causes eye irritation and tears. This molecule is a sulfide essential oil which irritates the nasal mucous membranes.

Breathing propanethial irritates us greatly and causes tears and burning in the eyes. And the feeling is sometimes so strong that we are forced to leave the kitchen.

If you are one of those people who hate cutting onions, read the rest of this article. Here we give you the best tips so that you can learn how to cut onions without crying. The purpose of these tips is to avoid or reduce the emission of the volatile substance and thus to minimize its effects.

1. Lemon, an ally for cutting onions without tears

The first recommended tip is to rub the cutting board with a piece of lemon before you start cutting the onion.

This will allow you to prevent its strong odor from permeating your cutting board.

2. The freezer

If you’re thinking about chopping onions in the middle of an elaborate recipe, try putting your knife in the freezer about 15 minutes before you start cooking. Use the cold knife, and you shouldn’t cry!

You can also put the onion in the freezer for an hour before handling it. If it is quite cold, it shouldn’t generate any tears and burns when you cut it.

3. The choice of knife

Make sure you have a good knife for slicing your onions that is smooth and sharp.

Be sure to use a smooth knife to cut the onions, as the toothed knives release more enzymes. As a result, the burning and  crying  are much more intense and last longer.

4. Ventilation

A great trick that works very well is to chop the onion while your ventilation or hood is on.

Another alternative is to cut the onion in a place where there is a current of air. In this way, the acids which are released when the onion is cut and which are responsible for the tears, will disperse.

5. Water

While you are cutting the onion, dip your knife in cold water or vinegar several times. This fairly simple tip should reduce your tears.

Water can help you dispel the gas that causes burns and tears. To do this, fill a container with water and put it close to where you are going to handle the onions.

Or put boiling water near where you are going to cut the onions: the steam will dissipate the gases while you are cutting them.

6. Sunglasses and a diving mask

While it may sound like fun, you can use sunglasses or a snorkel mask. This trick will allow you to reduce the painful sensations you feel when handling onions.

Some glasses specially designed to cut onions have appeared on the market, at a price of around 20 euros.

If none of these tips work, you can replace regular onions with baby onions or scallions. Of course, they will not give the same flavor to your dishes.