How to Prevent Onions From Making You Cry
Rejoice, onion lovers -- you do not need to hide behind masks or closed doors during the preparation of your favorite flavor addition. The tear-inducing effect of onions stems from their noxious gases and chemical interactions. Raw onions produce a chemical vapor that converts to a sulfuric acid in the air, irritating the lachrymal glands in your eyes and causing tears. You can reduce your onion-inspired sobs by changing your preparation and cutting technique. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Chill onions in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before peeling or chopping them. Sulfuric vapors move more slowly in the cold -- think about how garbage smells worse during hot weather.
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Leave the onion root intact until the last possible minute to prevent irritants from escaping into the air. The root contains the largest concentration of sulfuric compounds in an onion.
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Chop or cut the onion with a sharp knife. Fast, clean slicing puts less pressure on the onion tissue and minimizes the release of sulfuric compounds. A sharp knife also allows you to expedite your slicing and reduce your exposure to the onion fumes.
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Open a window or light a scented candle close to your chopping station. The hot flame of a candle attracts tear-causing vapor and reduces the amount of vapor circulating in the air.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves and a painter's mask if you experience particularly strong reactions to onion vapor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit onion image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
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Comments
View all 23 Comments-
mbernardino
Jan 16, 2011
This is a very helpful article. What we normally do is cut the root portion first. Aside from lighting a scented candle what we do is put a pinch of salt near the chopping board. I don't know how exactly it works but I guess the salt absorbs the vapors(?). In any case, thanks for this article! -
uruiamme
Jan 12, 2011
This is scientifically so wrong, and you should apologize to real scientists. Looking at your source, the Library of Congress, shows that sulfuric acid is not the culprit, it is "sulfenic acid," which is somewhat different. You need to pay closer attention.
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meinredondo
Jan 12, 2011
just breath through your mouth and not through your nose. works like a charm...
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susieq1984
Jan 11, 2011
The candle works well! I have been lighting a candle for years now and have not shed one tear when cutting onions!!!
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natlog
Jan 10, 2011
I have tried that metal hand-cleaning bar of which pickleicious speaks, and found it to be absolutely worthless in removing onion or fish odor from my hands.
