Slicing onions is an unpleasant matter for many, because it does not prevent a sharp burning in the eyes and subsequent tears. However, there are some proven tricks to help you overcome this problem. Thanks to them, you can cut an onion without a single drop of tears!
During onion cutting, enzymes and other chemical substances are released, which are contained in this vegetable. Together, they are released into the air in the form of odor molecules that can reach your eyes.
As soon as there is mutual contact, the released substances from the onion start to irritate your tear glands and cause unpleasant tears. However, we will advise you how to effectively prevent it!
How to cut an onion easily and without a single tear, you can see in the video on YouTube, on Camy Arriola’s channel:
Source: Youtube
With onions into the freezer
Before you start slicing the onion, try putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. The cold will effectively slow down the process of releasing the substances that cause tearing, which will then allow you to cut the onion without any problems. But don’t leave it there for too long, so that it doesn’t freeze all over. Then you would have to wait again for them to soften, which is why it is simply enough for the onions to cool down.
Cooling in cold water
Immersing onions in cold water for a few minutes also works on a similar principle. Even before that, however, you can peel it under running water so that the released substances immediately wash away. Cold water also relieves the burning sensation in your eyes if you do get onion vapor in your eyes.
Heating in a microwave oven
A higher temperature of the onion works great if you warm it in the microwave. This trick helps to release the juices in the onion and soften its texture, which will help make slicing easier and minimize release.
Therefore, you can heat it in the microwave for a few seconds before slicing it, but don’t forget that after removing it from the microwave, you will need to let it cool for a while to avoid burning yourself.
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Only allow the onion to be heated in the microwave for a very short time.
Slicing with a sharp knife
Prolonged time spent slicing onions increases the risk of the released substances getting into your eyes. For this reason, always take only a sharpened knife, which you can use to cut the onion quickly and into strips or cubes of the same size. A dull knife just slides on the onion, which can lead not only to bad cutting, but also to injury.
The fume extractor sucks
If possible, cut onions in a place with good air flow provided by a hood or an open window. This is because the flowing air will help you take away the onion steam, which prevents it from getting into your eyes. Also, do not lean over the onion while cutting it and keep a slight distance from it.
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Learn how to cut onions like the pros who never cry about them!
A candle not only for romance
Candles will also be of great service to you, as they will not only make the whole kitchen smell nice, but will also help you when slicing onions.
If you have a candle near the line where you cut the onion, its flame will burn off any loose substances that might otherwise irritate your eyes. However, do not forget to take care of your safety, so place the candle only on a stable surface.
Chew your bread
Although it may seem strange that just chewing a piece of bread will help protect your eyes from tearing, it really works! It’s an old trick of our grandmothers, who always knew how to do it in the kitchen. So next time you’re chopping onions, remember these few tricks to make your dish easier to prepare!
Sources: edition.cnn.com, yummly.com, toprecepty.cz
