2007-10-30 02:30:25 · 14 answers · asked by prinsex prex 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
If the onion is really strong, chop it in the sink with the cold tap running. The only way chewing would help is if it's something like airwaves chewing gum or suck an extra strong mint or menthol lyptus to counteract the fumes. You can also wear swimming goggles if it's really bad! Use red onions which are sweeter than white ones, or do what I do for finely chopped onion, which is put the onion in the chopper bowl attachment which came with my hand blender. It's a very handy piece of kitchen equipment, and I use it to make breadcrumbs too. Have a look at the Argos online catalogue, you can get one for about £30 and it's worth it-I use mine almost every day!
2007-10-30 02:45:03 · answer #1 · answered by Twisty 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ooooo. Something I actually learned from the food network.
The reason your eyes water when dicing up an onion is that an onion omits a gas that reacts to the moisture in your eyes, you eyes water in an attempt to flush the gas away from your eyes.
Solutions to help are as some have already listed,
After peeling the onion, run under water.
After peeling the onion, place in the freezer for a few minutes.
Wear goggles while cutting the onion. As odd as this sounds, this is the best bet if your onions are really strong. If the gas can not get to your eyes, you will not cry. Sunglasses can help but your eyes will still water, and the darkness can lead to slicing your finger open!
Yeaaaa, Go Alton Brown teaching me something kinda useful! LOL
2007-10-30 02:53:53 · answer #2 · answered by KUJayhawksfan* 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have never heard of anything one can chew but if you place the onion in the freezer 30 minutes before use, it will prevent the eyes from tearing. Or leave the bottom of the onion on when cutting it.
2007-10-30 02:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by Boo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw - oddly enough, I think it was on Blue Peter, years ago! - that if you place a metal dessert spoon in your mouth - sideways - it stops your eyes watering! I have tried it a few times and it seems to work.
What does seem to work is breathing through your mouth and not blinking, but I think there are some really good tips here about washing/freezing the onion.
I've taken to using leeks or spring onions a la Nigella, quicker, not as strong, and no watery eyes!
2007-10-30 02:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by spanner the stig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can also put a peeled onion in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. This will usually stop the tears.
2007-10-30 02:37:58 · answer #5 · answered by Cue 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Before actually slicing the onion in to small bits, cut a cross in it while holding it under running tap water.
The water will prevent the strong sap to go in to the air
2007-10-30 02:57:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing
Rachel Ray wore goggles and there were no tears.
I put onions in the freezer for 5 or 10 minutes.
This really works for me.
2007-10-31 16:08:55 · answer #7 · answered by jfl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know about chewing but if you don't remove the stem from the onion and run it under water before chopping it reduces the tears.
2007-10-30 02:35:08 · answer #8 · answered by Pacito 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Wears sunglasses and you will see what makes you cry while cutting onions. CRAZY!
2007-10-30 02:38:22 · answer #9 · answered by Nico 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Nothing. Either cut it in water or buy mild ones.
2007-10-30 02:39:22 · answer #10 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋