Onions are an indispensable ingredient in many dishes and salads, but chopping them often results in teary eyes. Worry not, as there are some techniques used by professional chefs that can help prevent teary eyes while chopping onions. Here are some easy-to-follow methods to keep your eyes tear-free when chopping onions at home:
The Reason for Teary Eyes While Chopping Onions
The sulfuric amino acid called propenyl cysteine sulfoxide found in onions starts to dissolve when the onion is cut. As this sulfuric amino acid breaks down into its components, it releases a substance called proponal-s oxide, which irritates the eyes and causes tears when it comes into contact with them.
Methods to Prevent Teary Eyes While Chopping Onions
1. Use a Sharp Knife
Choose a sharp knife when chopping onions. A sharp knife releases fewer enzymes during the chopping process, which helps prevent teary eyes.
2. Chill the Onions in the Freezer
Before cutting the onion, place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This method reduces the effect of enzymes inside the onion and prevents teary eyes.
3. Chew Bread
Chewing bread slowly while chopping onions helps prevent eye irritation. Slowly chewing bread will also cause your mouth to water, which can be beneficial.
4. Use a Lemon Slice
Place a lemon slice between your teeth while chopping onions. The acidic components in the lemon help prevent the onion gases from reaching your eyes.
5. Take Advantage of Airflow
Chop onions in an area with good airflow, such as on a balcony, near a window, or next to a fan or exhaust hood. This will help disperse the gases released by the onion and reduce their effect on your eyes.
6. Chew Gum
Chewing gum while chopping onions promotes mouth breathing and reduces the impact of onion gases on your eyes. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which helps absorb the onion vapors and prevent them from reaching your eyes.
7. Wash and Soak the Onions
Wash the onions and let them soak in a bowl of water. This process helps the sulfuric amino acids from the onion to mix with water, reducing the harm they cause to your eyes.
8. Use Vinegar
Before chopping the onion, apply vinegar to the cutting board and let it sit. Vinegar helps prevent the onion gases from reaching your eyes and causing tears.
Conclusion
To prevent teary eyes while chopping onions, you can try one or several of the methods mentioned above. These techniques will help minimize the discomfort you experience while chopping onions and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Remember, the effectiveness of these methods may vary from person to person, so experiment to find the one that works best for you.
Now you can use these techniques with the ingredients available at home to prevent teary eyes while chopping onions and enjoy a more comfortable cooking experience. By employing the methods used by professional chefs, you can continue to savor the taste of onions while creating more enjoyable memories in the kitchen.
