Why We Cry When We Cut Onions: 3 Smart Tips for Cooks

10.06.2024 07:34

If you have ever had to cook any dish that included onions, then you probably shed tears while peeling and cutting this vegetable.

Why this happens, was explained by the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, cook Yulia Arkhipova . She also shared with us tricks that will help to avoid tearing.

In fact, the answer is simple: when onion cells are damaged, a special substance is released that irritates the mucous membrane of the eye.

The good news is that he is not capable of causing any serious harm (tears don't count).

To avoid discomfort, use the following tips.

Onion
Photo: © Belnovosti

Take a sharp knife

The knife you are going to chop the onion with should be as sharp as possible, and your actions should be fast. This way, you will damage fewer onion cells, and the vapors will not have time to cause severe irritation of the mucous membrane.

Rinse the knife with cold water

Everything is clear here: the liquid will simply wash away those aggressive substances that cause your tears.

Cool the onion

Before you start cutting, try leaving the onion in the freezer for a while - this will not change the beneficial properties of the onion, but the chemical reaction will slow down, and it will become easier to cook.

Earlier we talked about what you can add to calming tea .

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources

Julia Arkhipova Expert: Julia ArkhipovaExpert / Belnovosti


Content
  1. Take a sharp knife
  2. Rinse the knife with cold water
  3. Cool the onion