Expert Tips for Tear-Free Onion Cutting
Discover the science-backed strategies to avoid tearing up while slicing onions. Uncover the truth behind onion-cutting myths and learn the techniques to preserve flavor without shedding a tear. Get insights from food experts on mastering the art of tear-free onion chopping.
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Feeling the need to shed some tears? Grab an onion and get ready to chop!
Onions are a key ingredient in many dishes because of their great taste, but the tears they can cause may make you think twice about using them.
Many people have their own methods to avoid crying while chopping onions, but CNN consulted with experts to find out which ones actually work.
Why do I cry when I chop onions?
That stinging feeling in your eyes serves a purpose for onions, said Dr. Abbey Thiel, a food scientist and host of the YouTube channel Abbey the Food Scientist.
"It's actually a way for the plant to protect itself from being eaten," explained Thiel. Plants have different ways to avoid being consumed, like having thorns, spines, or a bitter taste.
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An onion's defense mechanism lies in its cell structure, which contains compartments that prevent potentially reactive substances from mixing, according to a statement.
When an onion's cells are damaged, for example by cutting it with a knife, an enzyme and an amino acid react to produce sulfur compounds. Another enzyme releases vapors into the air, eventually reaching your eyes, causing irritation, explained Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Washington.
“After reacting with the moisture in our eyes, small amounts of sulfuric acid are produced which irritates the cornea and leads to the tears,” Thiel said via email.
There are several effective ways to reduce stinging in the eyes and cut back on tears when chopping onions, experts say.
There are several effective ways to reduce stinging in the eyes and cut back on tears when chopping onions, experts say.
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Use a fan
A great method for producing less tears when chopping onions is placing a fan near you to blow the air near the vegetable away, Thiel said.
“This way the wind carries away the molecules that usually enter your eye and lead to the tears,” she said.
Protect your eyes with goggles
Goggles may not be the most stylish accessory, but according to Thiel, they are a reliable way to protect your eyes from airborne particles.
Thiel pointed out that wearing contacts instead of glasses can also help when cutting onions. She emphasized the importance of having some form of protection for your eyes.
Chill that onion
The fridge, freezer or a bowl of icy water can also help, Le said.
If you want to freeze onions, it's best to use them in dishes like soup to avoid changing their texture too much. It's important to note that freezing can alter the texture of onions just like microwaving can.
According to Le, storing onions in the refrigerator might lessen their flavor. To maintain their taste, it's recommended to keep onions in a cool, dry place. If you need to chill them before chopping, you can place them in the refrigerator or cold water for about 20 minutes.
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Turn up the heat
Le suggests that microwaving an onion before cutting it can help reduce the vapors. The time needed for microwaving may vary depending on the size of the onion, ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes.
Le suggests only using the microwave for cooking onions if the texture of the onion is not a crucial factor, as it can affect the crispiness of the onion.
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Add acids
Acids added to your onions may help reduce the stinging in your eyes and increase the flavor for your taste buds, Le said.
The enzyme in onions that causes the stinging feeling when cut is most effective within a specific pH range. According to Le, adding an acid like lemon or vinegar can slow down this enzyme, reducing the vapors that lead to tears.
Another benefit of slowing down the tear-inducing enzyme in onions is that it helps preserve the amino acid responsible for enhancing the flavor of the onion in a recipe, as mentioned by Le.
Light candles
Some people swear by lighting a candle while they cut up an onion. It’s possible that doing so could work, Le said.
Le mentioned that using a candle to block the vapors could work, but it all comes down to the type of candle being used. For instance, a scented candle might react in a beneficial way with the vapors.
However, Le pointed out that this method is not foolproof.
“Maybe it’ll distract you with the nice-smelling odor,” Thiel said.
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Bite some bread
It's unclear whether holding a piece of bread or toast in your mouth can help stop tears or prevent crying. According to Le, the author of "150 Food Science Questions Answered," some people may feel that this technique reduces the stinging sensation and tears, but it's not guaranteed to work every time.
Le said he isn’t sure about the theory behind it. It could be the bread absorbing the vapor, or it could be psychological, he said.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides practical advice and scientific insights into why onions cause tears and how to mitigate it. It highlights that the onion's defense mechanism against consumption releases sulfur compounds that irritate the eyes. The tips offered, such as using a fan to disperse the vapors, wearing goggles for protection, and chilling the onion to slow down the reaction, are effective and easy to implement.
Additionally, the article discusses alternative methods like microwaving the onion, adding acids like lemon juice or vinegar to alter the pH and reduce enzyme activity, and lighting a candle to neutralize the vapors. The author also acknowledges that some techniques like holding bread in the mouth have anecdotal evidence but lack scientific validation. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the science behind onion-induced tears and offers practical solutions for enjoyable and tear-free onion chopping experiences. enjoy this flavorful ingredient without the discomfort.
