Why can onions make your eyes sting and tear, and how can you prevent it? Shallots are composed of an outer layer called the "tunic" (brown outer layer), a white middle layer called the "scale", and a lower part called "basalt" (often referred to as "roots" and has many "hairs". "). When you cut the roots or roots, the onion releases enzymes. This enzyme reacts with all parts of the onion and releases gas. When the gas mixes with water, it forms an acid. If the water is in the eye. then there will be acid build up in your eyes. Oops! So, if onions are still bothering your eyes, start reading step 1 below to prevent them!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Without Using Special Tools
Step 1. Use a very sharp knife when cutting onions
Enzymes are released when cells are damaged or destroyed; using a sharp knife will cut the onion but not crush it, so less enzymes are released. Regardless of whether you also use a different trick, always use a sharp knife when cutting onions. You will finish it much faster!
Step 2. Chill the onions in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting them
This will reduce the amount of acidic enzymes released into the air and have no effect on the taste of your onion. Chilling onions was called "the most effective way to reduce tears" by the television program "Food Detectives".
Putting onions in the fridge will also work; just make sure not to put the onion next to the apples or potatoes, nor do you put it in for too long (20 minutes should be enough) -- because onions can smell bad if left in the fridge for too long
Step 3. Chop the onion in the water
This method is actually effective, but difficult to do. In the water, the onion pieces will float everywhere unless you hold and pick them up and throw the water away. If not done correctly, this method will only make it difficult for you. So if you want to do it, you should plan what you want to do beforehand.
Some people suggest chopping onions under running water. But this method is also difficult to do. The flow of water will make things look messy and difficult for you to control
Step 4. Chop the onion near a stream of hot water or steam
You can use steam from a water kettle or a pot of heated water. The steam will repel the steam from the onion, removing it from your eyes.
Step 5. Breathe in through your mouth and stick out your tongue
This will allow the gas from the onion to go to your wet tongue. The taste buds, which are located near the nerves of the lacrimal glands, are bypassed, preventing tears from forming. But if you forget and go back to breathing from your nose, the tears will soon form again!
Step 6. Soak the onion in water
The enzyme will be denatured due to the water-air limit. However, did you know that this method will remove some of the onion's flavor, and the onion will be smoother for you to handle (making it harder to slice). If a milder onion flavor isn't a problem for you, try this method.
Step 7. Cut the onion crosswise
Since the onion flesh is shaped like a tube, cutting it crosswise will prevent your eyes from stinging.
Of course, even the slightest bit of airflow can carry gas that hurts your eyes, so pay attention to the airflow around you as well. Turn on the fan, and point it in the right direction
Step 8. Whistle as you chop the onions
Whistling will create enough airflow to expel the onion gas from your face, so it doesn't reach your eyes. Pick a tone that you like so you won't stop whistling until you're done chopping the onion.
Step 9. Put a piece of bread in your mouth
Many people say that chewing, especially bread, will help prevent tears when chopping onions. Chew slowly and let the bread sit in your mouth for a while. Your mouth will get watery and uncomfortable, but your eyes won't!
Others say to chew gum. There's no real reason this might work, but you could give it a shot
Part 2 of 2: Creative Ways
Step 1. Put on a mask or airtight goggles
If you have suitable swimming goggles or lab goggles, try them when chopping onions. Wearing this kind of glasses will keep your eyes safe from onion gas. But if these glasses don't fit your face, onion gas will still be able to enter. So make sure the glasses are completely airtight after you put them on, or your eyes will still sting when you chop onions.
Be careful if you intend to buy protective eyewear online. Sometimes the glasses don't match 100%. And if you already wear glasses every day, you should try a different way
Step 2. Cut the onion near the airflow from a fan, or window
So that the gas from the onion will stay away from your eyes. Cut onions near the stove and use open air vents to allow air to expel onion gases from your eyes. Or chop an onion near an open window or even outdoors and enjoy the breeze.
Step 3. Use some kind of acid solution
Acidic solutions or anionic solutions can denature enzymes. The following are solutions that are usually available at home:
- Spread the vinegar over the cutting board. The vinegar will denature the enzymes.
- Soak the onion in salt water. The anionic solution will denature the enzymes, but the onion taste will change slightly.
Step 4. Use the wax method
Light a candle and place it near the cutting board before chopping the onions. The gas released by the onion will be attracted to the flame of the candle.
- Some people say this method will only cover the smell of onions but it doesn't really work. While it may not be your best option, it will keep your kitchen odorless.
- Remember to turn off the candle when you're done chopping the onions.
Tips
- Sweet onions, like Vidalias, cause less eye irritation. Consider using this type of onion, if you prefer.
- Cut the red onion last if you can. Then you'll spend less time in the onion-smelling kitchen.
- Chew mint gum while chopping the onion. This will keep your mouth busy and help prevent sore eyes.
- Slice frozen onions if possible. Onions like this don't hurt your eyes too much.
- Or, try plugging the end of a match (unlit of course) that is coated in sulfur so that the enzymes in the onion are absorbed into it.
- The smell of onions will seek the nearest water source (in this case tears) so that it makes your eyes sting. So, turn on the water tap and chop the onions nearby. You won't cry. If you rub your hands against the metal parts of the sink with a little water, the onion smell will also leave your hands.
- Cool the onions and sharpen your knife.
- Try not to cut the onion roots.
