Do Onions Make You Cry

by Melody Thacker, in Cooking (2 Comments)

Do onions make you cry? Chopping onions releases amino acid sulfoxides that mix with air to create the fumes that burn your eyes and make them water. Some varieties are stronger and make your cry worse than others. There are all sorts of tips and remedies to stop onions from making you cry, here’s some to try.

• Store the onions you plan to use within the next few days in the fridge, cold onions seem to release less fumes. It does seem to help but refrigeration isn’t the best way to store onions long term.
• Cut onions under running water so the sulfur compounds wash down the drain. It’s hard to chop under running water though! Try soaking them in cold water for 15 minutes, it might help.
• Chop onions in front of a fan that blows the fumes away from you, or do your chopping out doors. (this tip is only good if the weather is favorable!)
• Hold a silver spoon in your mouth! I haven’t tried this one, have you?
• Use dehydrated onion powder in your recipes, guaranteed no tears.
• Put on a pair of goggles, they’ll protect your eyes from the fumes.

Onions are a great kitchen staple, so stock up now that you know how to prevent the tears. They have plenty of fiber, vitamin C and are part of healthy diet. Use them in sautèd or roasted vegetables or meats, in soups, stews, salads and more.

Which tip works best for you, or do you have your own tip? Please comment below, we’d love it if you do!