Despite being one of the most consistent ingredient in Nigerians meals, many people avoid cutting onions. Series of chemical reactions are produced when cutting onions, the chemicals unleash propanethial S-oxide, an irritant that causes the eyes to fill with tears.
Below are 5 ways to prevent tears while cutting onions.
1. Freeze the onion
Keep the onions in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to reduce the amount of the acid enzyme released into the air and the intensity of irritation. However, the onion will be difficult to cut but does not affect the taste.
This method should not be used for salads or fresh food, as the onion will lose its crunch.
2. Cut the onion under water
Chopping your onion under a clear bowl of water or a tap of running water is a very effective way of avoiding tears. You could also try soaking the onions in water for a while before cutting. The water redirects the fumes from your eyes.
However, the water makes things difficult so this method requires a lot of concentration and precision.
3. Chew gum
Chewing gum before, during and after cutting onions promotes the production of saliva which absorbs the vapours emitted. Chewing gum while cutting onions prevents tears by forcing you to breathe through your mouth, preventing the vapours from condensing on the eye and causing tears. It is best to start chewing gum before you cut the onions and also remember to breathe through the mouth while cutting the onion.
4. Put a slice of bread in your mouth
A slice of bread in your mouth while chopping onions will stop the sulphur gas from reaching your eyes as it is dissipated through the bread and into your mouth.
5. Protect your eyes with goggles
You could just go with good-old goggles that fit your face tightly (like swimming goggles). It will stop the onion vapours from getting anywhere near your eyes.
