How to Slice an Onion Without Crying

Everyone has to deal with it—from top chefs to amateur cooks. Cutting an onion is like letting teargas loose in your kitchen. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An onion
• A good knife
• Scented candle
• Gum

1. 

   Cut out the core of the onion—where the root comes out. This is the section that has the most tear-inducing properties.

2. 

   Soak the onion in water before cutting—water will dilute the sulphuric compounds.

3. 

   Or else: freeze the onion before cutting. The sulphuric compound that leads to tears will not react as quickly when it’s cold. However, don’t freeze it for too long because it can affect taste. 10 minutes should do it.

4. 

   Cut the Onion in a well-ventilated room. Give the fumes a chance to escape.

5. 

   Light a candle. A burning flame can burn away the sulphuric fumes.

6. 

   Chew gum or a piece of bread while cutting the onion.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the sharpest knife possible to cut the onion. The harder you try to cut down on the onion with a blunt knife, the more fumes will be released.
• Breathe through your mouth while chopping the onion, not your nose.
• When all else fails, use a blender or food processor.

[wwlaveck]

on 12/27/2008 Burning a candle or two on the table where you are cutting the onion works great. You don't have to do all that other stuff. I have been using candles for the past two years and I never shed a tear.