How to peel onions without crying
Why do onions make you cry?
When you cut an onion, you break its cells, releasing enzymes and amino acids. This chemical reaction produces an irritating gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas comes into contact with your eyes, triggering a reaction that produces tears and protects the eyes from irritation.
Understanding the chemical process can help you find effective solutions.
Methods to prevent tears
Wear safety glasses
One of the most effective ways to avoid tears when peeling onions is to use protective glasses designed specifically for that purpose. The anti-tear onion goggles create a physical barrier that prevents the irritating gas from reaching your eyes.
Peel under water
Peeling or cutting onions under a stream of cold water or soaking them in a bowl of water greatly reduces the release of the irritating gas.
Benefits:
- Easy to use
- Reduces irritation almost immediately
Freeze onions
Placing onions in the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes before cutting them can slow the activity of the enzymes responsible for producing the irritating gas.
Practical tip:
- Don't forget to take the onions out before they become too hard to cut.
Other popular tips
Use lemon juice
Rubbing lemon juice on the knife blade before cutting onions can neutralize the irritating gas thanks to the lemon's acidity.
Avoid cutting the root first
The root contains the highest concentration of enzymes responsible for the irritating gas. By cutting it last, you minimize exposure to the gas.
Wear diving goggles
Although it may seem unusual, wearing swim goggles effectively protects your eyes from irritating gas.
Summary table of methods
| Method | Efficiency | Easy to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Safety glasses | Very high | Easy |
| Peel under water | High | Easy |
| Freeze onions | Average | Easy |
| Lemon juice on the blade | Average | Average |
| Avoid the root first | Average | Easy |
| Diving goggles | High | Average |
Why choose onion goggles?
The anti-tear onion goggles available at Cuisine Confort are specially designed to provide optimal protection against irritating gases. They are comfortable, easy to use, and reusable.
Benefits of anti-tear goggles
- Optimal protection: Prevents irritating gas from reaching the eyes.
- Comfort: Lightweight and adjustable for extended wear without discomfort.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials for repeated use.
Cutting onions without crying is possible with the right methods and tools. Protective glasses, peeling under water, and freezing onions are some of the most effective tips.
