How to Cut Onions Without Crying Easily

Onions can be a great addition to any home cooked meal or recipe, but when cutting the onion itself, it will easily make your eyes water and cry because of the enzymes that it contains. In simple science, you cut into the onion, which releases enzymes. Those enzymes create a gas, which creates an acid with water. The water in your eyes automatically reacts to the enzymes. Get it? There are a few simple techniques you can use to stop tears from forming when cutting onions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. You need to use a really sharp knife to chop onions. This is one of the best ways to stop crying while cutting onions. A sharp knife will cut straight through the onion, unlike a dull one. A dull blade may crush or smash the onion - which then causes the enzymes to be released that make you cry and tear up.

2. Another way to curb the crying is to cut your onion under water. This will absorb the enzymes and acid which makes your tear ducts begin to water.

3. Also, you may want to consider freezing your onion before cutting it. This will eliminate some of the enzymes that are released in the air that cause your eyes to water.

4. You can also buy an onion chopper that will conceal the onion and the slices which will prevent your eyes from watering and makes it so much easier to chop. Be careful when you open the container - it can be very strong. Open the container near water running water to absorb the onion enzymes.

5. Another known method is to chew gum or bread while cutting an onion to prevent watery eyes. It's best to breathe through your mouth and NOT your nose while cutting to prevent your nasal passages from inhaling the enzymes.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep your fingers out of the way while cutting an onion to prevent injury.
• Some believe that burning a candle helps prevent eyes from watering.
• Try different methods to see what works best for you.