Easy Trick for Cutting Onions Without Tears

In the kitchen, onions can be seen as a necessary evil. They add incredible flavor to many recipes, but preparing them is not always pleasant. Cutting onions can cause burning eyes and even tears because onions release a chemical that irritates the tear glands.

Theoretically, you can wear special onion-cutting glasses to avoid the problem (they say they really work). But if you don't want to buy special kitchen accessories, there's a simple and effective way to protect your eyes from irritation.

There are many myths about how to reduce the irritating effect of onions. Some people place a matchstick between their teeth while cutting, and others swear that sticking out their tongue helps. If these tricks don't work (and they probably don't), put the onion in the refrigerator.

The National Onion Association recommends chilling the onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting to reduce the effect. You can also store whole, peeled onions in the fridge to last longer. In general, however, you should keep whole, unpeeled onions in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Excessive humidity (like that in the fridge) can lead to faster spoilage of the onion.

Cutting onions doesn't have to be a tearful experience. If you often find yourself cutting onions, choose less irritating varieties like green or sweet onions. And for those moments when time is limited, pre-chopped onions are an excellent option.