How to Cut Onion Without Crying | Tips and Tricks

by Mevell Kitchen
26 July, 2023
7 min read

How to Cut Onion Without Crying

Hey there, kitchen warriors! We've all been there: Prepping to make our favorite dish, only to face the dreaded task of onion slicing and dicing. As soon as we cut the onion, its revenge unfolds, making us cry like we've just watched the end of a tear-jerker movie. But fear not, my culinary comrades, because there's a secret weapon at your disposal – onion goggles! Yes, you read that right. They're not just a fancy cooking accessory, but your best friend in battling the onion's sulfur-filled, tear-inducing compounds.

Let me tell you, there's a science to this weepy situation. When you slice into an onion, it releases a sulfur-based chemical warfare that would make any brave cook's eyes water. But don't surrender just yet, because I’m here to guide you on how to cut the onion without giving it the satisfaction of seeing you in tears. Intrigued? Well, buckle up and grab your onion goggles, because we're about to embark on a tear-free culinary journey!

Why Does Onion Make You Cry?

Alright, so why do onions transform our meal prep into an emotional rollercoaster? Let's dive into the science. When we wage war on an onion with our trusty cutting board and knife, we rupture its cells, releasing a potent enzyme. This enzyme reacts with the sulfur in the onion to produce a sneaky irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This irritant floats away from your eyes, turning your innocent kitchen into a battlefield.

Among different types of onions, our usual culprit is the yellow onion, notorious for its high sulfur content and the most likely to leave you reaching for the tissue box. But remember, it's not just the type of onion that matters; it's how you're cutting it too. So, before you swear off onions for life, stick around. We've got some clever hacks to keep those pesky tears at bay.

6 Ways To Cut Onions Without ears - Tried and Tested Ways

Ready to arm yourself with knowledge and take control of your kitchen once more? Here are methods to cut onions that are definitely worth a try. These tried-and-true strategies revolve around one simple principle: Keep the onion cold. The colder the onion, the less likely those tear-inducing chemicals are to vaporize and reach your eyes.

1. Freeze the Onion

First up, freezing your onion. Yes, you heard that right. Simply stick your raw onion in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before you plan to start chopping. The cold onion produces fewer irritants, minimizing the chance of tears. However, don't leave it in for too long, as a completely frozen onion can be tricky to chop.

Here's how to do it:

Clear a space in your fridge for the onion.
Place the onion in the refrigerator and leave it there for 15 minutes.
After the time is up, take the onion out of the fridge, and start chopping using a sharp knife.

Remember, it's important to use a sharp knife to cut the onion. A dull knife will crush the cells of the onion, releasing more of those tear-inducing chemicals.

2. Soak the Onion in Cold Water

Another fantastic approach is to soak the onion in cold water before chopping it. The theory here is that the water will draw out the sulfur compounds, preventing them from reaching your eyes and causing irritation.

Here's the step-by-step:

Peel the onion and chop off the ends.
Put the onion in a bowl of cold water.
Let the onion sit for about 10-15 minutes.
After it's done soaking, place it on your cutting board and chop away.

This method might make your chopping board a bit slippery, so be careful while cutting. Also, bear in mind that soaking can slightly dilute the flavor of the onion, so it may not be the best method if you're looking for that strong, raw onion punch.

Fantastic! You're already two steps closer to mastering the art of tear-free onion chopping. But wait, there's more! Aside from putting the onion in the fridge, let's explore some other ways to cut an onion without tears. Prepare yourself to be amazed.

3. Use a Sharp Knife

Next up on our list is employing a sharp knife. It might seem obvious, but it's one of the most effective methods to prevent crying while chopping onions. How so? Well, a sharp knife causes less damage to the onion's cell structure, which means fewer irritants are released. On the other hand, a dull knife crushes the onion, leading to a veritable flood of those pesky sulfur compounds.

Here's how you can do it:

First, ensure your knife is as sharp as possible. You can use a honing steel or knife sharpener if needed.
Then, slice off the top of the onion and peel off the outer layers.
Now, with a steady hand, slice, dice, or chop your onion as required.
Remember to keep your cutting board clean and rinse your knife under running water after a few cuts to wash off any accumulated irritants.

4. Microwave the Onion

And now, for a trick that may seem out of left field: microwaving the onion. This method will soften your onion slightly, but it's another way to cut an onion without shedding a tear. The heat from the microwave draws out and neutralizes some of the compounds that cause our eyes to water.

Here's how it's done:

Trim off the ends of the onion and peel it, leaving the onion whole.
Place the whole onion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for about 30 seconds.
After the onion has cooled enough to handle, place it on your cutting board and begin to cut as desired.

Remember, microwaving can make the onion a bit slippery, so take care while chopping.

Bravo, kitchen warrior! You're already a pro at preventing those tear-filled chopping sessions. But we're not done yet. Let's continue our mission to make it easier to cut onions without crying.

5. Keep a Piece of Bread in Your Mouth

I know, it sounds a bit strange, but hear me out. Keeping a piece of bread in your mouth while you cut an onion can help prevent tears. The theory is that the bread absorbs some of the irritating compounds before they reach your eyes. Plus, it forces you to breathe through your mouth, reducing the number of irritants that enter your nasal passage.

Here's how to do it:

Before you start chopping, take a thick slice of bread and fold it in half.
Place the folded bread in your mouth, with half of it hanging out.
Start cutting your onion. Remember to breathe through your mouth as much as possible.

Some people also swear by chewing gum as an alternative. The act of chewing could distract you from the irritants.

6. Wear Goggles

If all else fails, or you're working with a particularly potent onion, it might be time to bring out the big guns: goggles. Yes, wearing goggles while cutting onions can protect your eyes from the irritating fumes. These aren't just any goggles, but specially designed onion goggles with foam seals to keep out those tear-inducing compounds.

Instructions are straightforward:

Simply put on your onion goggles before you start cutting.
Chop, dice, or slice your onion as required.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be dicing onions near anyone without causing a teary scene. Now that's what I call a kitchen victory!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does cutting an onion cause tears?

A: When an onion is cut, it releases a chemical called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This chemical reacts with the water in your eyes to form sulfuric acid, which irritates your eyes and causes tears.

Q: Are there certain types of onions that are less likely to make you cry?

A: Yes, typically, sweeter onions like Vidalias are less likely to cause tears compared to stronger varieties like yellow onions.

Q: Can these methods really prevent tears completely?

A: While these methods can significantly reduce the amount of tear-inducing compounds that reach your eyes, everyone's sensitivity varies. You might still experience some irritation, but it should be considerably less.

Q: Do I have to use these methods every time I cut an onion?

A: Not necessarily. If you're only cutting a small amount, or you're using a sweeter variety of onion, you might not need to use these methods. But they're great to have in your arsenal for those big meal prep days!

Q: Can I use regular swimming goggles instead of onion goggles?

A: You certainly can! Any tight-fitting goggles that seal around your eyes can help protect against onion fumes.

Conclusion

Congratulations, kitchen warrior! You've cracked the code on how to cut an onion without crying. From chilling your onion in the fridge to sporting stylish onion goggles, you're ready to slice and dice without a tear in sight.

You've learned how to control the chemical reactions that once caused you grief, making it easier to cut onions without turning your kitchen into a tear gas chamber. So, go ahead, cut that onion in half and let the world see your dry eyes. You've earned it!

Related Products You Might Like

As you embark on your tear-free cooking journey, you might find yourself in need of a sturdy cutting board. After all, it's your kitchen's unsung hero, bravely facing every onion you slice and dice. At Mevell, we offer a range of high-quality cutting boards designed to endure the demands of any kitchen task.

Our cutting boards provide a durable, non-slip surface, ideal for mastering all the methods to cut onions without tears. So why wait? Enhance your kitchen essentials with Mevell today.

How to Cut Onion Without Crying - Tips and Tricks

Why Does Onion Make You Cry?