Why Do We Cry While Cutting Onions? Genius Ways To Prevent Tears Instantly

Onion Cutting Tips: Have you ever picked up a sharp knife and cut into a raw onion, only to have tears begin to stream down your face? Cutting an onion is a nearly daily chore in the kitchen, but this seemingly simple task can become a major headache for many. Sometimes, the situation becomes so severe that people often have to stop mid-way and wash their eyes. Even though it is manageable for 1-2 onions, but become a tear-jerking experience when you have to cut loads of onions for gravy, pulao or vegetable dishes. However, with genius ways, you can cut onions easily, comfortably, and without any tears.

Why Do Eyes Water When You Cut Onions

Onions make your eyes water because they contain a special kind of juice and while they are being cut, their cells break down and are combined with the moisture in your eyes to create sulfuric acid, which irritates your cornea. Thus, the eyes automatically produce tears to wash it away, protecting your sight.

Home Remedies To Prevent Tears While Cutting Onions

Soak Onions In Cold Water

To overcome onion tear gas, slice onions and soak them in ice-cold water for 10-15 minutes before chopping. This will reduce the strong gas, allowing you to chop onions without tears.

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Refrigerate Onions First

Refrigerate whole onions for almost 30 minutes in the fridge before chopping. This will keep onions cold, thus reducing the gas emission as well as eye irritation, allowing you to chop onions without tears.

Use A Super Sharp Knife

A dull knife crushes onions, causing more tear gas to be released. Therefore, use a super sharp knife to chop onions effortlessly without tears.

Onion Cutting Tips To Prevent Tears (Image Credits: AI)

Chop Near A Stove Flame

This is an old trick prevalent in Indian households. Chop onions near a low gas flame. The gas will rise, taking the irritating gas with it, and you won't have tears in your eyes.

Hold Bread Or Cardamom In Mouth

While chopping onions, pop some bread or cardamom into your mouth. It works by reducing onion gas through changes in breathing patterns. It’s an odd trick but it works wonders to prevent onion tears quickly.

Cut Under Running Water

Chop onions under cold running water. This instantly removes tear-causing gases, ensuring a safe and tear-free onion chopping experience without any eye irritation.

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Wear Glasses Or Goggles

Wear your normal glasses or swim goggles while chopping large amounts of onions. This is the simplest way to prevent onion tears with complete effectiveness.

Thus, by knowing why tears come while cutting onions and the tips to prevent the tears, we can make the onion cutting experience less tear-jerking. These quick solutions will not only save your time but also make you enjoy preparing your meals.