What should I do to prevent crying when chopping onions?

Question

I've tried to soak it in water but it just doesn't work. pls. help me

Answer 1

I wrote this one up in a magazine column I once had. It works for me - I haven't had eye-watering since I started it.

Top and tail your onion (with a SHARP knife), cut down in half top to bottom, and place both pieces on the board cut side down. (This is the important bit).
Remove the paper skin, and then slice each half without letting it fly all over the board. For chopping, I first slice top to bottom, turn, and then slice the other way, all without losing the shape of the onion. The closer you keep the pieces, the less onion juice will escape and evaporate into your eyes. This method I use whether chopping fine, or leaving in half-rings. It is just as fast as any other method, and it works.

Answer 2

I heard that while cutting onions you place a glass full of water beside the chopping board so it'll absorb the vapor from onion. I tried it but I'm not 100% sure.
But try this technique, I usually chop onion ths way and it doesnt make me cry...cut it into halves then upside down cut it in to bits if preferred. It woks for me. Or stick to the easiest way try an onion chopper or food processor. Happy cooking!

Answer 3

Don't just soak it in water, actually cut them under water. Alternately, you could try chilling them in the freezer just proir to cutting them.

According to my source:
"The tearjerker in onions is a compound called propanethial-s-oxide, which is released in a vapor when onions are cut"..."When the vapor comes in contact with the eye, it is converted to a form of sulfuric acid, which produces the stinging sensation and subsequent tears. Cutting onions under water or chilling them before cutting, will retard the enzymes that generate the noxious chemicals..."

See source for details.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Wear swimming goggles, seriously. You may look silly, but lets face it. You are only chopping onions and It sure beats sore puffy watery eyes. Also breathing through your mouth can help while chopping them under running water.

Answer 5

I read somewhere written by an Indian chef, cut the onion into half, then soak in water for 5 minutes. Then you peel it.


http://www.mycookery.com/blog

Answer 6

I wear ski goggles. Looks silly, but solves the problem.

Lighting a candle near the onion while you're chopping it works too.

Answer 7

Chopping a food processor is the only way I know! Careful not to turn into liquid, they chop fast! Or use a slicing attachment.

Answer 8

There are two ways to do, one buy the onion chopper or other way dip the onions in water while cutting..

Answer 9

to prevent crying do one thing after taking out upper layer dip it into water for 10-15 min...
then you will definitely like to chop it!!!

Answer 10

Take the top off but dont cut off the bottom. wash it a bit then slice it, make sure to leave the root on otherwise it wont work. good luck with it!!