Are you tired of tearing up every time you peel and cut onions? If you use the methods described below, you'll be free from the trouble of stinging eyes and tears.
Before talking about the methods, let's explain why your eyes tear up every time you peel onions.
Whenever you peel and cut an onion, the onion's enzymes turn into gases containing acidic substances. These gases spread into the air and enter your eyes, causing them to sting. Your eyes can't tolerate that stinging sensation, which is why tears start flowing.
Let's continue exploring how to peel onions without crying.
Chill the onion
By putting the onion in the refrigerator and chilling it for about 30 minutes, you can prevent its enzymes from spreading into the air. This way, your eyes won't sting every time you peel the onion.
Breathe through your mouth
Your sense of smell is connected to your tear ducts. When cutting onions, if you hold your nose closed and breathe through your mouth, the onion smell won't enter your olfactory nerves, meaning the enzyme gases won't be able to enter either, and your eyes won't tear up.
Chew gum
A few minutes before cutting the onion, chew some gum. Chewing gum produces a lot of saliva in your mouth, and that saliva can absorb the gases released from the onion. If you use this method, you'll also need to breathe through your mouth.
Light a candle
The flame of a candle can absorb the gases in the air, so the gases released from the onion won't cause you to tear up anymore.
Wear swimming goggles while cutting onions
If you wear swimming goggles, your eyes will be protected from the onion's gases, so you won't tear up anymore.
Use a sharp knife
When cutting onions, using a blunt knife releases more gas, which can sting your eyes more. If you cut with a sharp knife, it reduces the rate of gas release, so your eyes will sting less.
Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com
