Cutting onions always makes you cry. If you're feeling down, give it a try—it'll definitely make you tear up. So, how can you cut onions without crying?
Why does cutting onions make you cry?
To understand the mystery behind onion tears, we need to examine the onion's composition.Onions consist of an outer skin (the brown part), scales (the edible, juicy middle section), and a root plate (the fuzzy, root-like base). When the onion's bud or root plate is cut, it releases an enzyme that triggers the onion to produce a gas. When this gas comes into contact with moisture, it forms acid.So if this gas happens to come into contact with the moisture in your eyes, it's essentially like having acid in your eyes.
Of course, tearing up while cutting onions isn't inevitable, because we have a trick to help you avoid it.
1. Use a sharp knife to cut onions
Onions only release enzymes when their cells rupture or are crushed. Using a sharp knife minimizes crushing, thereby reducing enzyme secretion.
2. Freeze before cutting. Freezing onions preserves their flavor while reducing the release of acidic enzymes into the air. Avoid freezing for too long—15-20 minutes is sufficient.
3. Chop onions under running water
This method requires some skill and involves extra cleanup afterward, but it works well when other options aren't available.
4. Chew a piece of bread in your mouth
Many claim chewing something—especially bread—while cutting onions prevents tears. Chew slowly, letting a bit drip onto your tongue. This may trigger a slight gag reflex, causing mild discomfort in your mouth but alleviating eye irritation.
5. Breathe through your mouth while sticking out your tongue
This allows acidic gases to dissolve in the moisture on your tongue, preventing the olfactory nerves near your tear ducts from detecting them and triggering tears.However, avoid breathing through your nose, or tears will still form!
6. Soak the onion in water
Enzymes denature at the water-air interface, though this method slightly alters the onion's flavor and makes it smoother—and harder to slice. If you don't mind a milder taste, this technique is worth trying.
7. Cut along the onion's leaf crevices
Onion leaves are tubular, so cutting along their natural crevices prevents acidic onion juice from splashing into your eyes.
8. Use a fan for ventilation
Airflow can redirect misty droplets, so pay attention to air currents while chopping. Turn on a fan nearby, ensuring it blows in the correct direction.