Is there anything that actually works to keep you from crying when you cut an onion?

Answer 1

hold the onion under water, or wear goggles!

Answer 2

Onions produce the chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas is also known as the Lachrymatory Factor (‘crying factor'). It stimulates the eyes' lachrymal glands so they release tears. This gas is instable and can react with water which results in, among others, sulphuric acid. When this happens in the eye, the eyes start to neutralize the acid by producing large amounts of water, and thus make us cry.

Cooling your onion before cutting can help...or cutting them when wet...or even under cool running water. Most of the irritant is found in the thin lining between the layers of onion so the least contact with that helps too.

Some kinds of onions do not have as much of the enzymes and gasses but your flavor is different with these types also.

Another less successful remedy is to chew crackers or bread while your chopping....not sure why this helps.

Cold water or refrigerated onions work best for me. Just remember not to take a deep breath when you first slice. Good Luck!

Answer 3

To begin, cut the onion in half and run the halves under cold water. You might use nose plugs or at least try to refrain from breathing thru your nose. The cook at my old work used to chop the onions right underneath the powerful ceiling fan, so everyone in the kitchen would be in tears but him. A good fan will help too.♥

Answer 4

So far, one other person had it correct. Chew soft bread while cutting the onion. It does work. Here is the bonus answer for ten points. To get the smell off your hand: Rub your hands on a stainless steel sink after cutting the onion. It works.

Answer 5

Try these,burn a candel right next to you,dont cut off the root end,or slice under running water.I use a mandolin,its really quick (once you get the hang of it)so you are doing less cutting so there are less tears.The mandolin is the best because some onions are just really hot.

Answer 6

Keep the onion in the Refrigerator for a while before cutting it

Answer 7

put an ice cube in your mouth and/or just keeping the mouth closed.

Or do what I did : Buty the Vadlia Chopping Wizard. I have to cut a lot of onions at work, so I bought one and waiting for it to come in

Answer 8

Put a piece of bread in your mouth while you are cutting the onion, works every time

Answer 9

Cut while the onion is cold.

Answer 10

when you cut teh onion, run it under cold water doesn't really work but you have to cut it along the grain of how the union is.. so you cut a smal slice run it under cold water for a quick rememdy and then see how teh grain is going, when you cut opposite the grain that is what releases the chemical that makes your eyes tear...

Answer 11

My mom taught me this and it works for me. Light a candle nearby while you are cutting the onion.