Whats the best way to not tear up when I chop onions?!?

Question

I have tried everything from matches in the mouth to closing my eyes and hoping I dont cut my finger off!

Answer 1

Cut the onion leaving the root of it intact. That and/or cut the onion in half and rinse with cold water before cutting anymore.

Answer 2

This is how Ian Beyer says to do it: "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

After slicing off the root and top ends, slice onion vertically in half. Peel off the outside layer, then put the onion halves in a bowl of ice water for about 15 minutes.

Answer 4

I like to quarter my onion, put it in a zip lock bag and put in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Then take out and chop as usual. I don't remember where I got this tip, but it really helps!

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Put a small piece of onion on top of your head while chopping the rest of the onion. It´s supposed to balance out the onion vapors.

Answer 6

I have heard some old home remedies for this and they all involve having another source of moisture nearby as that is what attracts the onion "vapors" (for lack of a better word) to your eyes. I have heard that you can stick out your tongue or hold a damp cloth in your teeth or you can chop the onion near a running faucet. It works for me.....try it.

Answer 7

Light a few candles or turn on a gas burner and chop the onion next to it. I don't know the exact scientific reason why that works, but it's the only thing I've found that does. (It's actually a tip from Martha Stewart... the only time I've ever paid attention to her, lol).

Answer 8

cut the onion while its running under cold water, or take an onion and let it sit in a bowl of water for a few minutes.

Answer 9

I think that running an onion under water is a good idea. Skip the chopper, it is a unitasker and you wont use it for anything else! Why spend $12.95?

Answer 10

Put a lemon wedge in your mouth, light a match and instantly put it out and hold it in your mouth. Changing what you smell first will make you tear up less.