2007-09-24 16:02:09 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Freeze the onion 20-30 minutes before slicing... Really helps!!!
2007-09-24 16:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by yafit k 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey Cali Girl, there are many myths about cutting onions. I have heard that if you put the onion in the freezer for a while then cut it, it wont make your eyes tear up. There is also the one using lime juice. If you coat the blade with lime juice(fresh) it will help. You can also cut it with the faucet water running. I hope one of these helps you. You know in my Hispanic culture it is said that if your eyes cry while cutting onions that you are a very jealous person...Go figure! Good luck! = )
2007-09-24 23:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by Bigeyes 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As onions are sliced, cells are broken, allowing enzymes called alliinases to break down sulfides and generate sulfenic acids. The gas diffuses through the air and eventually reaches the eye, making them sting.
Chilling or freezing onions prevents the enzymes from activating, limiting the amount of gas generated.
Using a sharp blade to chop onions will limit the cell damage and the release of enzymes that drive the irritation response.
Having a fire, such as a candle or a burner, will help as the heat and flames will draw in the onion gas, burn it, and then send it up with the rest of the flame exhaust. In the heat, the chemical changes such that it no longer irritates the eyes.
2007-09-24 23:28:54 · answer #3 · answered by Sams 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you have a lot of time you can freeze it, if you have a little time you can put them in cold water by peeling their outer most layer and if you want it then and there make sure that you are working in an airy place and it should be moving from your back to front to reduce those vapours which bring tears in your beautiful eyes
2007-09-24 23:45:22 · answer #4 · answered by maya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either wear goggles or try cutting them by edge of the sink with the water running or some people say put a piece of bread in your mouth while you chop them
2007-09-24 23:27:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lit candle near where you are working works surprisingly well because the flame draws the air (along with the smell) towards it then incinerates it.
I've tried freezing them before cutting, and it still made my eyes water.
2007-09-24 23:07:21 · answer #6 · answered by hitwoman001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try running it under cold water before slicing. Really slows the smell process. learned this tip from Food Network and it works really well. Good luck.
2007-09-25 01:02:02 · answer #7 · answered by XtremlyME 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get pre-cut onions.
Or put a cloths pin on your nose.
2007-09-24 23:09:52 · answer #8 · answered by idontknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no lie, goggles work !! i use a pair of my child's sunglasses. they fit tight so the fumes don't get to my eyes. i swear my eyes no longer tear and burn when i'm chopping onions. looks goofy, but it works ! give it a try......
2007-09-25 10:23:54 · answer #9 · answered by monket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IVE HEARD TO RUN IT UNDER THE COLD WATER. IT ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES THOW DEPENDING ON HOW STRONG THE ONION IS.
2007-09-25 13:22:43 · answer #10 · answered by TABBYKAT34 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋