How to Slice an Onion Without Crying
Don't let onions get the best of you. These pungent veggies -- whether red, white or yellow -- contain sulfides that you release into the air when you chop, dice or slice them. Sulfides aggravate your eyes; your body responds with tears to flush away the irritants. Save your tissues and your tears by learning how to slice an onion without crying. Try different techniques until you find the one that works best for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Place the onion in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting it.
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Soak the onion in water before slicing it.
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Use a sharp knife that cuts cleanly through the onion. Avoid dull blades, which release more onion fumes.
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Don't remove the onion's root until last. Since this section contains the highest concentration of sulfides, it will irritate your eyes for a shorter time if you cut the rest of the onion first.
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Cut the onion in a well-ventilated room.
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Set a candle next to your cutting board -- the heat will attract the onion fumes.
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Breathe through your mouth instead of your nose while chopping onions.
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Cover your eyes with onion goggles, safety glasses or a snorkel mask.
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Learn proper knife-cutting techniques so you can slice onions quickly and safely.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a food processor when you need diced or chopped onions.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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Comments
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A large portion of bread crust protruding from the mouth has worked best for me.
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Holding bread crust with a large portion protruding from your mouth has worked best for me.
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wwlaveck
Dec 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.
