No Tears Onion Cutting

No Tears Onion Cutting! Many thoughts on how to cut an onion without crying, PBS-TV’s Haley’s Hints shows you several methods to keep onion chopping tear free.

If you’ve ever experienced the stinging sensation and tears that come with cutting onions, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a few tricks you can use to minimize the tears. Here are some of Haley’s hints to cut onions without tears:

1. Chill the onion: Placing the onion in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting can help reduce the release of tear-inducing compounds. A cold onion emits fewer irritants, making it a great strategy to minimize tears.

2. Cut under running water: By cutting the onion under running water, you can wash away the compounds that cause tears. The water helps dilute the irritants, preventing them from reaching your eyes.

3. Wear goggles or glasses: Wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, can act as a physical barrier between your eyes and the onion fumes. This can significantly reduce the amount of irritants that reach your eyes, keeping your tears at bay.

4. Use a fan or ventilation: Positioning a fan or opening a window near your cutting area helps create a steady airflow, blowing the onion fumes away from your face. This can help reduce the concentration of irritants in the air and minimize tears.

5. Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make clean cuts, reducing the amount of onion juice that is released. This, in turn, lessens the amount of irritants that are released into the air, mitigating tear production.

6. Cut near a flame: Placing a lit candle near your cutting area may help draw in the sulphuric compounds produced by the onion. This can help prevent them from reaching your eyes and reduce tears.

7. Freeze the onion: Freezing the onion for about 15 minutes before cutting can help reduce the enzyme activity that causes tear-inducing compounds to be released. As a result, you’ll experience fewer tears while cutting. Remember, while these hints can help minimize tears, it’s important to still exercise caution while cutting onions. Practice safe knife skills and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.