THE onion It is a fundamental ingredient in many cuisines around the world, but its preparation usually generates a very common problem: eye irritation that causes tears. This effect is caused by the sulfur compounds which are released when cutting onions.
However, professional chefs have found practical solutions to avoid this inconvenience. With a few simple tips and techniques, It is possible to cut an onion without shedding a tear.
The Simplest Secret to Cutting Onions Without Shedding a Tear
One of the most effective methods for cutting onions without hurting your eyes is cool them before cutting them. When cooling the onion, in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutesthe release of irritating compounds is reduced, thereby minimizing eye irritation.
By storing an onion in the refrigerator after its first use, you’ve probably noticed that the next time you cut it, it doesn’t make you cry. This tip is simple to apply and can be easily incorporated into your cooking routine.
Tips for cooling onions:
- Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting them. Not anymore, as freezing them would make cutting difficult.
- Another option is to peel them, cut them in half and leave them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using them.
Do not cut around the root of the onion, a professional technique
The famous chef Gordon Ramsay suggests avoid cutting the part of the onion closest to the root. This area contains a higher concentration of sulfur compounds that irritate the eyes. By avoiding this area, there is less release of these gases, which reduces the risk of irritation to your eyes.
This technique is common among professional chefs and has become very popular in kitchens around the world for its simplicity and effectiveness.
In addition, It’s a way to save timesince there is no need to constantly stop to clean the eyes or recover from irritation.
The fan as an ally for cutting onions
A simple but effective tip is to use a small fan while cutting the onion. The key is to position it so that the air carries irritating gases away from your face and eyes. Air circulation helps disperse the volatile compounds released when cutting the onion, preventing them from concentrating near the eyes.
This method is easy to implement at home, and by simply opening a window or turning on a small fan, you can avoid tears while preparing the onion.
The importance of a sharp knife
To carry A sharp knife is essential for cutting onions without tearing them.. A dull knife does not cut cleanly, but crushes the cells of the onion, releasing more irritating compounds.
Using a sharp knife, fewer cells breakwhich reduces the amount of substances released into the air.
Additionally, a sharp knife makes cutting more precise and faster, allowing you to work more efficiently in the kitchen without worrying about tears.
Other effective tips for cutting onions
Besides the methods mentioned above, there are other tricks that experienced chefs and cooks use to prevent their eyes from getting irritated when cutting onions:
- Dip the onion in cold water before cutting it. Cooling the onion with water reduces the release of volatile compounds.
- Wear swimming goggles or protection. Although it may seem extreme, this method was popularized by celebrity chef Julia Child. Goggles protect your eyes from irritating vapors.
- Chew mint gum while cutting an onion. This tip helps your breathing focus on your mouth, reducing gas entry through your nose.
- Cut the onion near a heat source. Cutting the onion next to a burning candle or next to a pot of boiling water can help dissipate irritating gases, as the heat helps disperse the chemicals.
