How to Chop Spring Onions

Spring onions are versatile culinary items.

Many people grow spring onions in their vegetable or flower gardens, as they are very easy to grow and take up little space. Cutting and chopping them can present some challenges, though, since they are small and, like other onions, they can irritate your eyes and make you cry.

Things You'll Need

• Chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Swimming goggles or large rectangular container

Instructions

1. Put on the swimming goggles to prevent eye irritation. If you do not have any or if you prefer another method, fill the rectangular container with water. Place the cutting board under the water. The water will minimize the irritating fumes from the onion.

2. Cut off the roots and stems with your chef's knife. Some people eat the stems, so you might want to save them.

3. Peel off the outer skin with your fingers. This will be dry and brittle. The inner part that you want to eat will be wet and pliant.

4. Place the onion on the cutting board with the flat end down, rather than the round side. Chop the onion into quarters with your chef's knife. This is small enough for most cooking needs. If you need to make it smaller, cut each individual piece into halves or thirds.

Tips & Warnings

• You can proceed without worrying about protecting your eyes, especially if you are only cutting a few onions. Onion fumes cause no lasting damage. However, if you are cutting a lot of onions, it is best to try to protect your eyes, as it could become unbearable.

References

• Recipe Tips