Onion and tears

[nicoleSmith08]

You can try some this methods in cutting/slicing onions without tears:

cut the root off last;
refrigerate before cutting;
peel them under cold water;
have a fan behind you or alongside to blow the vapors away;
place a piece of bread on the knife tip to absorb the fumes;
chew gum while peeling and slicing onions.
have someone else cut them for you!

[monamona]

Hi:

I like your ideas. Of them all, the only method I knew was to cut them under water.

[mcnerd]

I watch soap operas while cutting onions. That way I kill two birds with one stone and don't waste my tears.

[lesley]

The only method that works for me is to cut onions on a piece of kitchen paper, this absorbs the chemical irritant (syn-propanethial-S-oxide). Never had tears since.
Lesley
www.cookingwiththejoneses.com

[Marzipanlily79]

I was wondering this same question, as the other day I chopped an onion and was bawling and today it wasn't so bad. I think it was because today's onion was in the fridge... You're full of good ideas! I;ll have to pay attention next time to test those techniques out!

[Liketobake]

Great ideas!:) I will have to try cutting them under the water.

[Liketobake]

Great ideas!:) I will have to try cutting them under the water.

I tried it, and it seems to work for the most part. I would say it improved my onion cutting experiece to 90-95% (100 = no tears).

Great tip:D

[Drama Queen]

I discovered something a few weeks ago. I only use sweet onions, Vidalia, Texas Sweets, Osso Sweet and Maui sweets. I just like the flavor sweet onions give my food. When you peel and chop sweets, there are no tears, EVER. I guess the sweets don't contain the enzyme that yellow or Spanish onions do. That's what makes you cry.

[Shelley]

Have a really sharp knife. The sharper the edge on the knife, the less cells it crushes. Less crush cells = less tears because the gases don't release.

[Liketobake]

I discovered something a few weeks ago. I only use sweet onions, Vidalia, Texas Sweets, Osso Sweet and Maui sweets. I just like the flavor sweet onions give my food. When you peel and chop sweets, there are no tears, EVER. I guess the sweets don't contain the enzyme that yellow or Spanish onions do. That's what makes you cry.

I didn't know this. Another great tip I need to try.:D

[mcnerd]

Regular onions have high levels of sulfur compounds. It's the pyruvic acid in the sulfur that causes tears, harshness, and indigestion. Great sweet onions are always grown in soil with low amounts of sulfur. Typically, sweet onions have pyruvic acid levels that measure below 5%; storage onions usually run 10%-13%. Because a sweet onion is also a fresh onion it is very high in water content, which further dilutes the effect of the sulfur and increases mildness.

[faster]

I rarely have this problem, because I cut my onions quickly. If you can get the job done fast, you can often avoid the tears.

A cold onion can't release the irritating volatile oils as fast.

Cutting under water isn't something I'd like - it could sap the onion of flavor.

Another tip: If you can't avoid the tears, get it over with and chop a whole BUNCH of them, then bag and freeze them. They'll be ready to use, tear-free, for a long time to come.

[kastal]

One more tip i want to share with you is that:
insert a piece of potato with skin on the knife and then cut the onions. It really works and you can easily cut the onions without tears:)

[Liketobake]

I rarely have this problem, because I cut my onions quickly. If you can get the job done fast, you can often avoid the tears.

A cold onion can't release the irritating volatile oils as fast.

Cutting under water isn't something I'd like - it could sap the onion of flavor.

Another tip: If you can't avoid the tears, get it over with and chop a whole BUNCH of them, then bag and freeze them. They'll be ready to use, tear-free, for a long time to come.

Does freezing onions make them loose their flavor? I would be suspecious of this.

Personally I don't think it would be a good idea for me to be super quick with the chopping. I tend to be clumsy, and had one too many accidents with a knife when I was young.

I have not found much flavor loss with putting the onions under cold water before chopping if any.

:p

[Big Daddy's House]

Onions can be bought frozen at your local supermarket, so I don't think that freezing them at home would make them lose their flavor or taste at all.

[mcnerd]

I've never seen regular large onions frozen whole, only the small pearl onions and chopping onions. I freeze chopped onions all the time, but you should fast freeze separately before bagging so they will stay separated when needed. I also vacuum-seal them so they don't develop excess ice accumulation.

[Liketobake]

I've never seen regular large onions frozen whole, only the small pearl onions and chopping onions. I freeze chopped onions all the time, but you should fast freeze separately before bagging so they will stay separated when needed. I also vacuum-seal them so they don't develop excess ice accumulation.

How long do they keep in the freezer for?

:)

[mcnerd]

Chopped onions that have been vacuum-sealed....they are still in the freezer after over a year and still fresh, so I have not found a limit yet.

If you just stored in a container or ziplock bag, probably would last only a few months before they shriveled up from freezer burn.

[Kelly]

Hmmm... interesting tips for avoiding tears while cutting onions. good.

The best way it works for me is to cut them in to major pieces and then keep them in water so that the effect gets nutralised and then cut them in to small pieces.

But nice tips to utilise.

[Big Daddy's House]

Chopped onions that have been vacuum-sealed....they are still in the freezer after over a year and still fresh, so I have not found a limit yet.

If you just stored in a container or ziplock bag, probably would last only a few months before they shriveled up from freezer burn.



Yes, freezer burn kills just about everything!

I also vacuum seal the fresh veggies as well, like the green peppers, cut onions and celery as well. So tired of losing stuff to spoilage.

Also, try peeling, cutting up or slicing onions next to the stove with the closest burner on. This helps burn off or chase away the acidic juices which makes us cry and they don't get sprayed in your face and eyes, according to Alton. :D

[Big Daddy's House]

I was watching Sunny Anderson's show over the weekend.

She was cutting up onions, and she said that the best way to tackle the problem is to place the peeled onions in the freezer for a short time enough to partially freeze them.

This helps cut down on the acidic gases that spew from the onions when cuting them up,
thereby greatly reducing tears.

[dotcracker]

I heard there are some chemicals availaible in the market, they work efficiently for this






[False Sigs Removed]

[SRL]

I used to peel onions under water, but as I get older, I can't hold my breath as long as I used to. ;)

[Emily-O]

Personally I found that I have become immune to this over the years. The other day I was doing a bacon and hoi sin sauce stir fry. I was happily chopping and frying away but my partner (the other side of the room I may add) was getting tearful!

Do you think glasses can give a certain form of protection?

[Big Daddy's House]

Probably, the best way to chop or slice onions is with the food processor.

The gases are contained inside the work bowl so there is much less of a chance of the fumes irritating the sensitive eyes.

[SRL]

Personally I found that I have become immune to this over the years. The other day I was doing a bacon and hoi sin sauce stir fry. I was happily chopping and frying away but my partner (the other side of the room I may add) was getting tearful!

Do you think glasses can give a certain form of protection?

Back many years ago I had one job where I had to peel and slice a 40-pound bag of onions every afternoon. I did get used to it and quit tearing up over time, but that immunity didn't last. And glasses don't help me at all. :)

[Big Daddy's House]

When I chop or slice onions, they usually go right into the skillet or pot that I'm using them for in a recipe.

Soaking them whole in some cold water before cutting is also supposed to help cut down the gases.

[jigowatt]

I just close my eyes and hold my breath :p

[neonle]

while cutting onions light a candle near u so tears wont come from your eyes

[fishinRod]

Personally I found that I have become immune to this over the years.


I find this to be the case with me also, I generally use an onion in some way every day and I cant remember the last time my eyes burned from cutting an onion

[saggiqui]

Thanks so much 4 sharing with us,bros

[VeggieCook]

Thanks for your tips. As far as I am concerned, I use the following steps to stay away from tears when cutting onions, too.

Wearing a pair of glasses;
Don't look at the onion;
Cut them as fast as possible and run away;

However, nowadays I find that I don't need to take any actions at all. Is it because the onions are grown with some tear-free formula? I don't know.

[Big Daddy's House]

Not looking at the onion(s) can be very dangerous, as you might accidentally cut youself! Unless you are wearing special gloves that protect the hand from the knife.

For me, the fastest way is to use the large food processor or the small chopper attacment that I use with my KA stick blender. Pulse the machine to avoid overprocessing.

Because having the lid on helps eliminate any chances of the acidic juices from getting into my eyes. And when the lid is removed, the onions go directly into a closed container, or into the skillet or kettle for sauteing!

Works like a charm!!

[Dave Van]

I wear contacts. the perfect defense against onion fumes! :p Apparently the fumes only affect the iris.

[Big Daddy's House]

The acidic juices can also burn your nose.

[greenlime]

The trick that I use is to refrigerate onions before slicing and cooking with them. In fact, I just place all my onions in the fridge as soon as I get home from the supermarket. They not only keep longer, they also are tear-free to cook with!

[PackerGreg]

The best thing that I have found to deal with the irritation of cutting an onion is acceptance. It is part of the cooking process, and if I just try to find some amusement in it I will be OK w/ the tears. It's like barbecuing w/ charcoal - the smoke always follows you, no matter where you stand, and there is nothing you can do about it - I just have to shrug my shoulder and laugh at the fact that it happens EVERY TIME! Besides, crying over an onion makes the results that much more rewarding to know that you suffered for your art.

[secret squirrel]

I keep onions in the fridge. Rarely have a problem with the eyes running and as someone else said, use a good sharp knife and be speedy. It just takes a bit of pracitice. I reckon if they can do it on the telly, then so can I.
lorna

[awesomeapril]

I used to peel onions under water, but as I get older, I can't hold my breath as long as I used to. ;)

:D awesome!

[awesomeapril]

Personally I found that I have become immune to this over the years. The other day I was doing a bacon and hoi sin sauce stir fry. I was happily chopping and frying away but my partner (the other side of the room I may add) was getting tearful!

Do you think glasses can give a certain form of protection?

My first day in a commercial kitchen they had me chop an insane amount of onion that they were going to caramelize. It was awful at the time, but in the long run it worked out well for me because after that I did not have a problem.
I love my job :D

[samue1eb]

When I was in an apartment with a gas stove, I use to turn on the burner and place my cutting board close by and cut the onion and had no problems with it. Obviously you need to practice caution with an open flame.

[anie_b]

Great Ideas that needs to be tried at home. :)

[bulgufla]

bookmarked and b back l8er,i need more info, :-)

[Big Daddy's House]

Try one of THESE. They might help. Onion Goggles.

Just saw them at Chefscatalog.com. I'll wait for them to come to BB&B.

[awesomeapril]

lol onion goggles. that's ridiculous :)

[Big Daddy's House]

At this point, any port in the storm will do. :)

[chefcella91]

i cant wait to try all of these
my cooking teacher said that wearing contacts helps, but, thats only applicable to few people. :|

[LDSmominthekitchen]

i did the3 under water trick and it realy worked, I always use yellow onions, so i dissagree with the person who says they dont cause tears. I tryed the refridgerator method too, but it backfired on me. not many trears while cutting(just a few at the end) but when i put them in the pot to saute , well, lets just say it was even lees fun then cutting usualy is. Not a bad idea if the onions are going in a casserole, not so good for the stovetop though.
perhaps ill hafta get me some of those goggles,in the meantime i'm taking the onions out of the fridge.

[Big Daddy's House]

And BTW, I have those onion goggles whose pic I posted above, and they DO work perfectly!

[Mrs.Whisky]

The best thing that I have found to deal with the irritation of cutting an onion is acceptance. It is part of the cooking process, and if I just try to find some amusement in it I will be OK w/ the tears. It's like barbecuing w/ charcoal - the smoke always follows you, no matter where you stand, and there is nothing you can do about it - I just have to shrug my shoulder and laugh at the fact that it happens EVERY TIME! Besides, crying over an onion makes the results that much more rewarding to know that you suffered for your art.

"You suffered for your art"....I like the way you put that :D I just suffered last night cause my goodness i never realized just how much stronger a red onion is than a white onion...but again I just kind of accepted it however it did wake my cousin from his sleep lol..pretty strong onion!
________
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[Rubystips]

Check out the best cooking tips (http://factoidz.com/best-cooking-tips/)and learn how to cut onions without crying (http://factoidz.com/best-cooking-tips/)

[awesomeapril]

I watch soap operas while cutting onions. That way I kill two birds with one stone and don't waste my tears.

HAHAHA!!!! very nice!

[LuvsToCook]

Great tips! I should try these!

My own little secret is to put on my glasses while cutting onions so they don't into my eyes. And it has worked so far!

[Drama Queen]

I only use sweet onions, Vidalia, Maui Sweets, OssoSweet etc. and NEVER have a tearing problem. If I use brown or white onions I can't see for hours. LOL. There must be something in the brown onions that sweet onions don't have.

[jackspin007]

put the onion for few minutes into water before cutting it,

[Azazel]

Cutting onions without crying is pretty easy really. make sure you keep them in the fridge, and use a very very sharp knife. None of that cutting them under water business. apparently you can actualy buy 'onion goggles', especially for cutting onion!

[beautifulmom]

What I do is put an open jar of salt beside me while cutting a prewashed onion and viola, no more tears!

[Big Daddy's House]

What I do is put an open jar of salt beside me while cutting a prewashed onion and viola, no more tears!



But then, what do you do with the salt when you're done cutting the onion?

Do you still use it for cooking? Otherwise, if you throw it away, it's wasted money!

[samue1eb]

Never heard of using salt to help prevent the tears.

[Big Daddy's House]

Neither did I.

[Azazel]

no i've heard of alot of weird methods but never salt! i think you have a new one there!!

[Big Daddy's House]

Think that's weird?

Some even suggest bleach and even vinegar!

[cuddly]

I wash the onions after peeling to avoid tears.
Another practical thing I do is to be emotional while cutting onions. I revisit some sad or emotional moments of my life and start concentrating on the same. Magically I would have cut all the onions without shedding a drop of tear.

[airsidelimo]

just because of these tears i dont like cutting onions but after reading these ideas i think it is not a big deal

[abi_csi]

Chopping them underwater works but is a bit awkward!!

[wulaishishei]

I just know to slice in cold water before.Thanks for you tips.They seems very practice,especially the last one.

[Oscar.08]

I certainly agree. Those ideas you have needs to be implemented as soon as possible.:)

[Big Daddy's House]

I still think that the BEST method is to use the food processor.

The work bowl is closed, keeping the acidic juices locked inside the bowl and away from your eyes!

Then, if you are slicing something else like green peppers and celery, all you do is slice them right on top of the sliced or chopped onions.

[Ishantgupta]

Put salt near of the onion and just slice the onions than you can check it tears not dropped from your eyes.

[deepfryerdan]

Does she have seasonal allergies?

[simplyfoodndrink]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing, I always have problem with slicing onions.. I tend to slice them as fast as possible to avoid the tears.