How do I prevent myself from crying while cutting onions?

Answer 1

Cut the onion in half and run under cold running water. You should also refrigerate the onion before you start cooking. I like to store mine in the fridge as soon as I return from the grocery store. When the onion is cut it releases a gas causing a reaction. Chilling the onion will minimize the onion from releasing the 'gas'.

Answer 2

You can put on your shades..but the one for me is cut from the top and do not cut the root part...that is the part that makes you cry. Cut the whole onion off the root just above the root and put it somewhere away from you.
(If you need to use the onion left on the root part cut it off around the core.)
With your knife score the outside layer.
now you can just peel off the outer layer.
With he flat side down cut your onion across all the way through, but do not move the pices apart...trun the onion around and cut again making diced pices...wala no tears. The more you expose the juice to air the more you will cry.
Even better idea, get a chopper that is enclosed. chop on a bendable cutting board when you pick the chopper up open it away from you and slide the onion away from you into the pot.

Answer 3

I always love to hear different ways of people try to stop the "crying" from onions, but the fact is, there is no way to stop it. Although doing something like, soaking it in water, lighting a candle next to it, and using windex may seem to work, the truth is, nothing. It's inevitable. Just tough it out. If it gets too bad, put down your knife and step back.

I have been told by other Chefs that the main source of such chemicals being released is in the root of the onion. Once you cut through the root, you release all the chemicals which cause you to "cry." Cut it in half (side-to-side) not length-wise (root-to-root). That sound decrease the effect of the "crying."

Happy cutting!

Answer 4

Well actually, the faster you cut, the less you cry, lol. However, when cutting onions, I usually soak the onions in a bowl of cold water after peeling them for about 5 minutes. This usually works for me.

Answer 5

Make sure that the knife is sharp. Also burn a short candle next to where you are cutting the onion. Keep cold water running, and if you feel your eyes are starting to water, place your hand under the water. Worked in a resthome kitchen and had to chop around 20 onions at a time, these tricks do help

Answer 6

let the water in the sink run while you are cutting the onion on the counter. the bad stuff goes down the drain with the water like a vortex, it works well

Answer 7

Light a candle and put it close by while cutting the onions...sounds weird, but it works.

Answer 8

Cut the root and stem ends first. It releases the gasses. I haven't cried cutting an onion in years!

Answer 9

Call a friend to come over and take turns. I have done that. I don't use onion too much because my eyes are SOOO sensitive.

Answer 10

wet the onion with water