By Veronica
Chopping onions is one of the kitchen tasks I avoid the most. Apart from the odor that will stick on my han
I’ve read that there is a compound that is released once the onion is cut called propensulphenic acid. This compound immediately reacts with the air and forms another compound which is known as propanethial oxide. This substance is volatile and when dissolved, it forms sulfuric acid which irritates our eyes.This causes weeping as our eyes try to wash away its irritant.
Some say that this problem can be solved as soon as you get used to it but would we still wait for that time to come so that we can stop this tear jerker? I don’t think so. Here are some tips on how to avoid tears during an onion-chopping session:
- Peel or chop onions under water
The molecules that causes those tears are water soluble so putting them under water would dissolve those molecules and would wash them away immediately once it’s released.
For me, this really works but I do not necessarily chop the onions under water. Instead, I would peel then chop the onion in half (lengthwise) then soak it in water for about 5 minutes. After which, I would drain the water off and it is ready for more chopping, no tears guaranteed!
- Chill the onions before chopping
This method lowers the volatility of the molecules released by onion.
- Using a good, sharp knife
The blade of the knife easily glides through the onion damaging less cells, releasing less compounds.
- Burn a candle adjacent to where you are chopping
The tear-causing substance is drawn to the heat.
- Do the chopping in a well ventilated place
So that the gas from the onion would be drawn away from your eyes. You can also use an electric fan to push the gas away from your face. Remember to make sure that direction of the wind from the electric fan that would carry the gas of the onion is not going towards your face. You should also be able to cut fast.
- Use goggles
Protect your eyes from the onion’s gas. Some are claiming that contact lenses can also do the job.
- Smear some lemon juice on the knife before cutting
The lemon juice prevents the smell of the onion. I guess if there is no smell, means no gas and no gas means no tears for you. Remember to do this periodically as this is only effective for a certain amount of time.
- Use pre-chopped onions
If you don’t want to do all the tips above and don’t have the time for some onion drama, you can definitely do this.
These are only a few of the many methods that you can do to prevent those tears when chopping onions. Can you still add tips on this list? Let us know by commenting below .
References:
Kaye, B. (1995). Science And The Detective. Germany: Wiley-VCH.
How Not To Cry When Cutting Onions --Quick Dish by tablespoon
Cooking With Onions Without Crying by Henneman, A. of University of Nebraska-Lincoln
