No More Tears: 10 Tricks for Cutting Onions (The Last One Will Surprise You)
Cutting onions is a daily task many of us face, unfortunately accompanied by tears. Here are 10 fantastic solutions to help you say goodbye to crying while chopping onions.
- מוריה חן
- פורסם ז' אייר התשפ"ה
#VALUE!
![]()
![]()
![]()
Who among us doesn't know that stinging sensation? You're in the kitchen, knife in hand, ready to prepare a delicious meal, and then it happens—the onion chopping. Within seconds, your eyes start to burn, tears begin to flow, and your culinary adventure turns into a true test of endurance. While many have accepted "onion fate" as an inevitable part of cooking, it turns out there are simple and effective solutions that can put an end to the tears and allow us to chop onions in peace, without unnecessary drama.
Why Do Onions Make Us Cry?
When you cut an onion, cells in the onion break, releasing an enzyme called alliinase. This enzyme creates a gas that reaches our eyes, mixes with the water in our eyes, and forms a mild sulfuric acid that causes irritation and tears.
Effective Solutions
1.Chill the Onion - Keeping the onion in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting slows down the release of enzymes and gases.
2.Cut Near Running Water - Running a faucet near the onion will draw the gases towards the water instead of your eyes.
3.Use a Sharp Knife - A dull knife crushes onion cells instead of cutting them cleanly, causing more gases to release.
4.Wet the Onion and Knife - Briefly dipping the onion and knife in water before cutting reduces the released gases.
5.Cut Correctly - Cut the onion while leaving the root end intact (this part contains the most enzymes).
6.Cut Underwater - Submerge the onion in water while cutting (less convenient but effective).
7.Quick Freeze - 10-15 minutes in the freezer (not more, to prevent texture changes).
8.Wear Goggles or Swim Glasses - Physically blocks the gases from reaching your eyes.
9.Turn on a Fan - Directing a fan towards your work area disperses the gases.
10.Chew Gum or Bread - Strange but effective—chewing while cutting onions causes you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, reducing the amount of gas entering your nose and reaching your eyes.
