Onion, shallot, and garlic all have compounds that cause eye irritation. This is because when these vegetables are cut, the amino acid sulfoxide compounds are released into the air and enter the eyes. When these compounds encounter the enzyme alliinase, they form the gas compound propanethiol S-oxide, which reacts with the liquid in the eyes to form sulfuric acid. This acid is responsible for the burning, stinging, and tearing sensation in the eyes when cutting onions or garlic. Cutting a large amount of these vegetables can temporarily impair vision. That’s why we often feel a stinging sensation and want to cry when cutting onions.
Restaurant chefs cut and prepare onions, shallots, and garlic every day. If they don’t have a method to prevent eye irritation, their tears and runny nose will be uncontrollable. So let’s apply these tips from professional chefs:
Chill the onion before cutting
The famous chef Andrews, author of many books on nutrition, suggests chilling the onion before cutting it, as the chemical reactions will slow down when the onion is cold. So put the onions in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes and take them out when you’re ready to chop them. If you’re in a hurry, you can put the onions in the freezer for about 10 minutes and then take them out to cut. Cut them quickly, as any increase in temperature will cause eye irritation.
Use a microwave
The microwave is also a handy tool when you need to cut a large amount of onions. Just put the onions in the microwave for about 20 seconds to reduce their irritant properties. Then, take them out and proceed with cutting as usual.
Chew something while cutting, like bread or chewing gum
Chewing something, like chewing gum or any food, will make you breathe more through your mouth. This will reduce the amount of onion particles in the air and minimize eye irritation.
Rub the knife with raw potato
Before cutting onions or garlic, slice a raw potato and rub it on both sides of the knife. This method will reduce eye irritation.
Cut onions under water
You can place the onion on a cutting board and submerge it in a bowl of water while cutting. The water will hinder the onion particles from entering the air and reduce their contact with the eyes. Cutting onions under running water or a faucet can also significantly help, as the water will dissolve sulfur compounds before they can reach your eyes.
Light a candle
You can light a candle next to the cutting board as it will absorb some of the sulfur compounds from the onion, reducing their presence in the air and the chances of entering your eyes.
Use vinegar
You can use vinegar or lemon juice to rub the surface of the knife and cutting board. The acids in vinegar and lemon can help reduce the reaction of the irritating compounds in onions and garlic.
Wear glasses when cutting onions and garlic
Wearing glasses or swim goggles can act as a barrier to prevent onion fumes from entering your eyes and reduce eye irritation.
Turn on a fan blowing away from you
Turn on a fan and let it blow the onion fumes away from your body. This will reduce the amount of fumes that enter your eyes.
Cut the root end of the onion last
The compound that causes eye irritation is more concentrated at the root end of the onion. Therefore, when cutting, cut the top part first and the root last.
Tips for cutting onions without tearing up
Turning on a fan, chilling the onion, and cutting with water… These are effective tips to prevent stinging eyes while chopping onions.
The Foolproof Way to Cut Onions without Tears and Sing Songs at the Same Time
Crying profusely from chopping onions is a common occurrence. However, knowing these methods can make everything much simpler.
How to quickly reduce alcohol concentration with these simple tips
Many people have attempted to reduce the alcohol content in their breath.
