How To Cut An Onion Without Crying

This Instructable is about how to cut and chop an onion without crying. I have always used one method when chopping or cutting an onion until last summer; when my son took a cooking class. I was so excited he was taking these classes because I knew he would have a lot to share. Not only did he learn how to cut an onion but how to cut an onion without crying!

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Step 1: Why Does Cutting An Onion Make You Cry?

When you cut into the root of the onion it releases gasses that make you cry.

kcli says: Feb 23, 2012. 7:06 AM

Can't wait to try...thanks for sharing!

269

sunshiine (author) in reply to kcliFeb 23, 2012. 9:57 AM

Thank you for commenting! Have a nice day!
Sunshiine

blossom9283 says: Feb 17, 2012. 8:02 AM

I have used this method and it works great!

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sunshiine (author) in reply to blossom9283Feb 17, 2012. 11:23 AM

Thanks for commenting blossom9283! Your support is appreciated.
Sunshiine

SIRJAMES09 says: Feb 16, 2012. 9:53 PM

you're on a roll girl!!!

That's 2 things you've taught me today!!! I love it!

TY for sharing Sunshiine!!

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sunshiine (author) in reply to SIRJAMES09Feb 16, 2012. 11:01 PM

Thank you SIRJAMES09! Hope your doing awesome!
sunshiine

bajablue says: Feb 16, 2012. 9:19 PM

Great tip!

I always just breathe through my mouth when cutting onions, but this sounds much easier.

Thanks for sharing!

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sunshiine (author) in reply to bajablueFeb 16, 2012. 9:29 PM

Thanks for sharing bajablue!
Sunshiine

canucksgirl says: Feb 16, 2012. 5:12 PM

Interesting tips sunshiine. My mom taught me to put the onion in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting and it works! Its not in there long enough to freeze, but it stops the crying.

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sunshiine (author) in reply to canucksgirlFeb 16, 2012. 5:18 PM

Thanks for sharing canucksgirl! I have not tried that method but I read it works. It probably would not hurt to do that as well as the water. Who wants to cry. Have a great day!
Sunshiine

canucksgirl in reply to sunshiineFeb 16, 2012. 9:15 PM

And thank you for sharing! By the way, did your son happen to mention how the water method works? Does it just absorb the onion fumes from the air? I will definitely give it a try though the next time I have to chop an onion.

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sunshiine (author) in reply to canucksgirlFeb 16, 2012. 9:28 PM

That was my old method. I included it with his method because it works pretty good by itself. Yes the water absorbs the fumes. I have used the bowl of water for years. I forgot to add the link where I learned how to cut the bulb out. I revised my ible. That method worked great but with a lot of waste. There are a lot of tips there and they mentioned to breathe through your mouth the whole time you are cutting the onion. Thanks for commenting!
sunshiine