how do you cut an onion without cryng?

Answer 1

This has been a big problem for me--I'd tried everything. the only thing that has worked is lit taper candles (where the flame is open). works like a charm--not sure why.

when I tried this I then searched the internet, and sure enough, many pro chefs use candles too. Something about the flame keeps the oils from floating too freely. Not sure, but it works.

Answer 2

Using a knife, cut a cone out of the bottom of the onion (where the roots come out). The diameter of this cone should be about a third of the diameter of the onion, and about 1/3 deep. Take this piece and throw it away (don't put it down the disposal!). This piece contains the part/gland that makes baby Jesus and everyone else in the room cry when you're chopping it up. Once you've gotten that piece out, chop off the top, peel, and slice the onion.

Been doing it for years, and it works like a charm. You know your cone is too small if it doesn't work, because you've cut into that teargas grenade

Answer 3

There are juices and chemicals inside the onion's tissues; when your knife breaks the onion's cells a certain compound becomes airborne as a fine mist. This compound is called propanethial-S-oxide, which is a type of sulfoxide. When the misty droplets encounter a wet surface (your eyes or nose membranes) it dissolves into a form of sulfuric acid, which is understandably irritating to your sensitive organs.

Thus... to avoid crying.... use a sharp knife. A dull knife will crush the onion cells more than a cleanly slicing sharp blade, and the crushed cells will release more of the deadly spray into the atmosphere. Some say that a stainless steel knife is best because it supposedly lessens the severity of the onion juice (and stainless steel rubbed on your hands afterward take the smell away) but this is uncertain. At any rate this method is no cure because even the sharpest knife slices plenty of cells up and releases the caustic gas.

Answer 4

1) Under water.

2) Put on glasses before cutting.

3) Very precise cutting. Cut onion into halves, then take one half at a time, flat side down. Cut lengthwise (from stem to stem), but hold the onion together at all time. When done, cut the other way, resulting in little pieces with minimum leakage of the sulphur in the onion.

Answer 5

ive heard putting a matchstick in your mouth while cutting an onion does the trick, water is a good one too. I seem to have some luck by cutting the "root" end first and working my way to the other end of the onion.

Answer 6

Cut an onion near a fan !

Answer 7

Wear goggles, cut faster (or step away from the onion every so often and come back before it starts to burn), or it's supposed to work if you place a piece of bread sticking out of your mouth. Supposedly, the gasses that cause you to cry will get absorbed into the bread instead.

Answer 8

squeeze lemon juice on the cutting board prior to cutting onion. Promise, it works! Some say to stick a piece of bread in your mouth but that never works for me cause I end up eating it!! ha ha!! hope it works for you!

Answer 9

Near running water... AND get this... I heard that after cutting the onion, rub your hands on the metal faucet and it will cut the smell. Heard it on DIY Network

Answer 10

I don't know why but I haven't cried from onions since I was a kid... The trick I learned myself is to NOT remove both ends... just work your way from one end to the other... and lift your head up as high as possible...