Unfortunately, we all go through this. What I am talking about is shedding some tears while cutting an onion. As you cut into an onion when meal-prepping a dish, the amino acid changes form into a gas and it is released. Your eyes start to notice this gas first and send a message to the receptors connected to your tear ducts. Tears began to stream down your face while cutting this onion.
If you’re like me, you probably find this habit quite annoying. So how can you prevent this from happening every time you cut into an onion? Here are four interesting tricks of not crying while cutting into an onion.
Ever wonder how you could cut into an onion without shedding a tear? Here are four interesting ways.
Try Freezing your Onions
The cold air helps prevent the gas enzymes in the onion from forming at all. Because of this, freezing your onions an hour or two before use could prevent the tears from happening. However, be sure you’re not freezing your onions for a while because that will cause them to lose their texture. If you forget to freeze them an hour or two before meal prep, be sure to leave the root end of the onion on.
Put a Piece of Bread in your Mouth
This method seems like an interesting one to try if you haven’t already. It involves putting a piece of soft bread in your mouth while cutting into the onion. Some people have tried this method and it has worked for them.
The spongy texture of the bread absorbs the chemical fumes released from the onion after it has been cut. It may sound a little strange on paper, but this method has been proven to be effective and is worth a try.
Rub Lemon Juice on your Knife
This next step may not guarantee zero tears, but it could help you avoid a full stream of tears. I am referring to rubbing a fresh lemon on the blade of your cutting knife. Experts say this is effective because the acidity in the lemon breaks down the gas-forming enzyme. This will help prevent the gas from reaching your nose first. If you don’t have a lemon, try rubbing an apple or a tomato across the blade instead.
Cut it in Water
Cutting an onion in cold water can reduce the impact the gas has. Just be sure you are being careful while doing this. Fill your kitchen sink with water so that your onion is submerged enough within it. Set your cutting board in the water as well. Be sure you are holding the onion down while cutting it so that it won’t float. Be careful so that you don’t cut your fingers.
So those are just four interesting ways you can start chopping an onion without shedding some tears. Do you have some useful tricks of chopping one without any tears? Feel free to share your tricks or suggestions in the comments section below. As always, like or share this post with a fellow cook that you know.
