How to cut onions without crying

Ah, onions! They give our dishes incredible flavor, but they're a nightmare for our eyes. You've probably found yourself, knife in hand, tears streaming down your cheeks, wondering, "Why do I always have to cry when I cut onions?" I've been there too, and believe me, it doesn't have to be that way. In this article, I'm going to share some practical tips for cutting onions without crying. And I promise, you won't need diving goggles for that!

Why do onions make us cry?

Before diving into the solutions, have you ever wondered why onions make us cry? It's actually due to a small chemical compound called syn-propanethial-S-oxide (that's quite a mouthful!). When you cut an onion, the cells break down and release this substance. Upon contact with air, it transforms into an irritating gas that travels directly to your eyes. That's when the body reacts by producing tears to protect itself. Pretty clever, right? But clearly, we can do without it!

The best tips for cutting onions without crying

1. Refrigerate the onion before cutting it

You may have heard of this technique, and for good reason—it works! Placing your onions in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes before cutting them slows down the release of the enzymes responsible for your tears. A simple chill, and voilà, far fewer tears! As a bonus, it makes the onion firmer and therefore easier to slice. Don't forget to use a good, sharp knife; this also reduces the risk of bruising the onion cells.

2. Cut the onion under running water

Want an even more effective solution? Cut your onion directly under running water. The idea is simple: the water will capture the gas molecules before they reach your eyes. It's a technique that takes a little getting used to (personally, I find it a bit slippery at first), but it works wonderfully. Others also prefer to use a bowl of water in which they submerge the onion while cutting. Both methods have proven effective!

3. Use a lit candle

This is a trick I discovered by chance during a dinner with friends. A friend lit a candle right next to the cutting board. When I saw it, I was puzzled, but she explained that the flame burns some of the gas emitted by the onion before it reaches us. The result? No tears! I was amazed. Plus, it creates a nice atmosphere in the kitchen!

4. Leave the onion root intact

Another tip is not to cut the onion root immediately. This is where most of the sulfur compounds are concentrated. By cutting the rest of the onion first, and then the root last, you'll reduce the intensity of the irritating gas. Simple, but incredibly effective!

5. Ventilate the area

If you have a portable fan or even a powerful range hood, place it near you while you're chopping onions. The airflow will quickly disperse the fumes away from your eyes. This technique has literally transformed my cooking sessions! Not only do I no longer cry, but I feel a bit like a chef in a professional kitchen with my range hood.

Some myths to avoid

You hear a lot of things about how to cut onions without crying, but be warned, not all of them work. For example, chewing gum or holding a matchstick between your teeth (yes, someone actually suggested that to me!) have never really helped. These tricks are fun to try, but the results vary greatly. Try them if you like, but don't be surprised if your eyes still sting!

My personal experience

Personally, the refrigerator trick is still my go-to. Every time I forget to put my onions in the fridge, I end up with stinging eyes. This little trick saves me every time, and since I like to plan ahead, I always keep a few onions in the fridge. If you want to be even more prepared, you can even peel them in advance and keep them chilled. They'll be ready to chop without any tears when you need them!