Is There a Way to Chop Onions Without Crying?

I work at a catering company and the guys in the kitchen put a piece of bread in their mouths while cutting onions. They say it works. I don't know how it works though.

I've been cooking for 40 plus years. You'll never get away tearless but some things help. Don't cut the root end off until the last second. You can cut the onion in half, top to root, then cut the top off both halves and rinse under cold running water while peeling. Dice with root still in tact and cut the root away when you've chopped down to the root and toss it in the trash. Otherwise, never use yellow onions! White onions as well as red are less gassy. Good luck. Jeanne, Elk Grove Village, Il

Looks like you have plenty of replies to read, but wanted to throw in one more! I do "once a month cooking" (and LOVE it) and so on cooking day we chop tons of onions in a large food processor. One big crying session and then it is over for the month. Any onions leftover we store in a container in the freezer and they are chopped and ready to go whenever we need them. You may want to throw on some goggles, have an onion chopping party, freeze them and then they are ready when you are!

E.~I know this was already said, but I can't imagine waiting 20 minutes so I run it under cold water and it works like a charm! Or have a candle burning by where you are cutting the onion!

P.

three things...
1. Newer onions will be less tear-producing than older onions. So if you can get fresh ones rather than dried ones you'll do better.
2. Technically, you can chop them in a bin under water. Not worth the trouble in my opinion. But it really works.
3. Can you put your cutting board on your stove and put the blower on? That way the fumes will be pulled away from your eyes.

I vote for the automatic chopper route, as well. Also works: a good food processor that lets you just chop a little bit. I was working with a church function once and they had to make GALLONS of salsa - the food processor was the way to go.

Tip: chop a whole bunch of onions at once (like a three or five pound bag) and put the extras in a large ziploc bag in the freezer. The next time you need onions, just get a handful from the freezer bag.

run them under cold water right before you chop them repeat as often as needed. J.

E. I can't chop onions at all I have to have my husband do it. When he is not around to come to my rescue I hold a wooden match stick in my teeth and it seems to help. Make sure you put the end you would light in your mouth and don't suck on it just hold it there until your done chopping. Let me know if it works for you.

M.

Didn't see this one--I actually can't eat onions but like a bit of the flavor in some things so use dried minced onions (near spices in the store).

I worked for two years with two professional chef's in a Culinary Arts program and Chef says there is one way to cut onions where you won't cry HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DO IT! Sorry all the rest are old wives tales.

I usually put the onions in the freezer for 30mn or so before I chop them, it seems to work.

I saw on a coooking show that it's the actual tearing of the skin that releases the aroma that makes our eyes water...so the answer is a very very sharp knife. That way the skin is sliced, not torn.

The only way I found that works for me is to wear a face mask. u could also try running the onion under water first. I know people that running an onion under the water for about 30 seconds works for them. you could also use a food processor to chop the onions.

Hi! Safety goggles is the extreme answer. Soaking the onion in cool water first also helps.

For about $5-$10 you can buy an onion chopper. It can chop other veggies too, but my mom always used it for onions especially. You put the onion into the canister and push down on the plunger. Works extremely quickly with no tears or onion fumes in the house.

Here's a link to see what they look like. You can find the same version at Wal-Mart or Meijers in the housewares department.

http://www.calibex.com/chopper-onion/zzcalibex2zB1z0--sea...

-S.

Yes! Remove the third layer in-that's the only one that makes you cry:>). I was told this by a chef many years ago and it works! Good luck! M.

Also, make a practice of not cutting off the end where the roots or the onion connected to the plant or whatever. Also, there is a knife by Cutco that works at keeping you from crying.

I have been told to put a match in your mouth. I didn't work for me though.
The way I perfer is chopping with a food chopper. Pampered Chef sells one that comes completely apart, so you know it is getting clean.

In fact, there may be! If you refrigerate the onions prior to chopping, the fumes aren't so strong. Works for me. You could also try chewing gum while chopping. It's supposed to work like a charm...I wouldn't know because I don't chew gum though;) Hope it helps and enjoy your dinner!

Put the onion in refrigerator for few hours before chopping. A chilled onion won't release the chemical the makes you cry. It doesn't work 100% but is a major help!

Run the onion under cold water before chopping, if your eyes water again while chopping try running your hands under cold water. Good Luck!

You can light a candle near where you're cutting--a trick I learned from Martha Stewart--or you can cut close to the sink and run cold water.

I freeze mine or run them under cold water & works great

E.
I don't know if you have gotten this suggestion but, I usually soak my onions in cold water (with ice) for about 5 mins. befor cutting. this helped stop all of my crying. hope it helps you.
Good luck,
J.

The French say to put a spoon in your mouth while you are chopping. I've done it lots of times. But then I end up crying with a spoon in my mouth!

Try burning an unscented candle on the kitchen counter while chopping--i haven't tried it, but have heard that it works. Also leave the root on while chopping--this is supposed to reduce the gasses as well, plus it keeps the onion intact while chopping. When my kids were little, I kept frozen, chopped onions in the freezer. They can be used for everything, and are super convenient. Most supermarkets have them, along with green peppers. I've even found fire roasted perppers this way, Awesome quickies for soups, and sauces, pizza and meatloaf.

I always heard that burning a candle by your chopping area can burn the fumes that make you cry.

slice the onion with the peel on then after it is all sliced take the peeling off and you won't cry.

Buy the frozen pre chopped onions. They save time and no crying.

L.

contact lenses! you won't feel a thing (from the onions).

first, buy a Sweet onion as they seem to not be so smelly when cutting them.

Get a Food Chopper. They are wonderful....they not only chop onions, but chop most vegetables (I've also used mine to chop nuts, cookies for cakes, peppermint candies for holiday candy making, the list goes on). I suggest getting a good quality one. Pampered Chef has an amazing one that's really easy to clean. If you don't know of a Pampered Chef consultant, you can also buy products on their website (www.pamperedchef.com). Kitchen Aid (sold in stores) also has a decent one...but it's more difficult to clean than Pampered Chef's chopper.
It's worth the purchase and I guarantee you....no more tears, at least I haven't had any since I've had my chopper.

put your peeled onion in the freezer for about 5 minutes or run it under cold water before chopping.

Hi E.,

I used to experience the same problem. So, I cut the center (slender -nucleus)of the onion out and put it in the pan or discard it. This should allow your tears to be used for something better, like a girly movie. You shouldn't have any problems with the remainder of the onion.

Good luck

From - Always busy- A.

After you take the skin off of the onion, slice it in half and place it under running cold water for a few moments.

Freezing helped some but I like using a chopper because it's so quick! Buying frozen is totally worth it if you're cooking with them anyhow but for times you need fresh, I would get a chopper.

I worked in a pizza place where we chopped all the veggies, I kept them in a cooler. Now at home I always throw the onion in the freezer for a few, 20 min. or so works every time.

I know this sounds funny, but if you bite on a toothpick while chopping it helps. I took a cooking class and our instructor told us about it. It really does work.

Try chopping them under running cool water...seems to help if the onion isn't too potent.

I haven't tried it but I read on the food network that putting the onion in the freezer before chopping will help you not have tears.
K.

i just buy pre chopped bags of onions at jewel. they are in the frozen food section.

Light a candle before chopping the onions and keep it close by. It works!

I heard that if you use a really good, sharp knife it reduces that dramatically. By good I mean good quality. Or, I saw on Rachel Ray once that they sell these special glasses you could put on when you chop the onions. It might feel silly and give your significant other a good laugh from time to time. I use water-proof mascara and even re-inforce my eyeliner with it on the lower lash line just in case. I never know when I'll get choked up and do not want to have to worry about make-up stains all over my face.

Good luck

After peeling the skin and cutting in half, either run cold water on them (if you're in a hurry) or toss them in a bowl of cold water to soak for a few minutes while you prepare other veggies.

I've heard that lighting a candle while you chop can help. You might also want to have a window open and take pauses for fresh air.

Good luck!
R.

Run them under cold water. I actually have a plastic cutting board that I place in the bottom of the sink and run the water over the onions as I chop. Hope this helps.

You already have 50 responses, but I love what I do so much I'm going to share it anyway. You can buy chopped onions in the spice aisle at the grocery store. They are right by all the spices. They even sell them in big spice type jars. They are the best! Not only is crying from onions annoying, but so is the chopping! You should give them a try. I love using them in all my recipes!

Yes there is.... Burn an Open candle close to the chopping area (not one in a jar)... for some reason...the burning flame removes those tears for you... don't ask me... I don't even know where I heard it, but I have used this before and it does work.

good luck...E.

I'd agree with previous posts...

Run under cold water
Buy pre-chopped onions at grocery
Buy a chopper

Good luck!

I buy the pre-chopped onions in the freezer section. Great time saver and no crying. The Jewel brand has these too so they're inexpensive.

So there's this thing I got for a present from "Tupperware" it's like more of a dicer, but I'm sure if you didn't spin it as much, you could get a chopped effect. As long as you rinse it right after using it, you won't have a problem cleaning it either. Try this link to view it.

http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/tup_show_item....

Yes run your hands under cold water first

Chill the onions before chopping them - a wonderful trick I learned from Rachel Ray!

Sounds like this is a popular problem with over 100 responses. I am just going to throw this out there because I am a Pampered Chef Consultant and swear by their products. The Food Chopper which is an extremely popular item works great for chopping more than just onions. The food is contained in the chopper which keeps the smell from reaching your nose which produces the tears. It also keeps you from having to handle the onions. Feel free to check it out on my web-site: www.pamperedchef.biz/bsanders. Happy Chopping!!

I thought my mom was insane when she did this, but I'll admit I've resorted to it myself. Put on a pair of swimming goggles!

I keep a pair of swim goggles in the kitchen for that purpose only!

While freezing the onion works well. One of the easiest ways is just to store your onions in the fridge until you are ready to use them. This will stop you from crying every time. Also get yourself a Smart Chopper. All you have to do is peel, cut into large chuncks, dump into chopper and spin the handle and you have diced onion. No smell on your hands and no tears.
Another thing I find helpful. I chop more than one onion at a time and keep it in the fridge or freezer. Then I have it on hand when I need it for recipes and quick fix meals. The ld saying "Chop once use twice" works well in this situation.

Hi E.!

There is a Way to chop those Onions!! without Crying OR letting your hands smell for days! Are you ready for it?? It's called a FOOD CHOPPER and Pampered Chef sells them if you would like to learn more please take a look at my Web-site. www.pamperedchef.biz/heatherspence
I'm just starting out in my own business, in hopes when we have our next child I able to stay-at-home with my chilren!! Take a look around or e-mail if you have any questions!! Have a blessed day!

Chew gum while chopping!

I can vouch for the candle thing. My dad showed me this little trick a couple weeks ago since we are forever making German fries! It really works!

put the onions you are going to chop in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before chopping. This will freeze the liquid in them that makes you cry. It may not stop the tears completely but should greatly reduce them.

My mom told me when you cut the onion in half run it under cold water. Mom's right, it helps with the sting.

The colder the onion the better- I always have luck chilling mine in the fridge first- also I've heard cutting them in/under cold water helps, too- never tried that, though!

Dear E.,
I know there are ways like keeping your mouth closed while you are chopping(not very doable when you have children).
I suggest chopping them the night before, put in a Ziploc bag, and refrigerate until morning, then throw them in with your other ingredients.
Then your makeup will be saved!
Here is an easy recipe for your crockpot:

Put in some cut up chuck (stew beef, at least 1 pound))
1 package Onion soup dry mix
1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup
1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid (water, beef broth, vegetable juice or whatever)

Serve over rice or noodles.
Good with a salad or other vegetable on the side

1. Freeze the onion before chopping it... it will freeze the oil.
2. Have a candle burning next to wear you are chopping... not sure why this works.
3. Buy an onion chopper sold at most food stores... it does a great job AND contains the smell that causes the tearing.

How ironic? My girlfriend just asked the same question an hour ago. A good way to stop the tears is to have a lit candle on the counter right near where you are chopping. Any kind of candle will work. Try it, it works, and you cannot beat the ambience!

I sell Tupperware and I always use my chopper and never have any problems with chopping onions and its fast and easy and I use it for green peppers, making chicken salad, dips, brushetta etc. Let me know if you are interested in ordering one and if you want the recipe's that go with it. Take care, J.

Interesting, thanks everyone for the response I always wondered this myself.

I have to vote for the pampered chef chopper....it is awesome!

E.,
I have heard the if you put the onions in the freezer 20-30 minutes before you chop, you'll have no tears!! Supposedly the freezing solidifies the onion juices.
B. D.

LOL! I have heard that you can put the onion in the freezer for a few minutes before you chop and that is supposed to help...OR...the other day, I saw some onion "goggles" that you can wear while you chop. I thought that it was a smart idea...but very funny to wear nonetheless. I saw them on Good Morning America.

My grandma told me to rinse it off after cutting it in quarters, before chopping. I do this & haven't cried since!! (I used to always cry from chopping onions & my eyes would burn.)

they say running cold water over the onion helps

I know this sounds silly, but hold a piece of bread in your mouth while you're chopping. It will get absorbed-not sure exactly how, but it works.

Not exactly sure, but I do know once it starts bothering your eyes, you stick your head into the freezer for a second and let the freon get into your eyes. It cuts the sting immediately.

don't cut the end of the onion, run it under cold water, or chew on a piece of white bread while chopping.
Or the very attractive, wear swim goggles, I know it sounds silly, but it does keep them from running.

I uset the cold water trick and not cutting the end of the onion. It works for me.

E.. I have 2 thoughts. First, it's what I've heard. Seems I tried it years ago, and perhaps it helped. I can't remember. Try it and let us all know. Put in your mouth and hold it (Kind of like a cigarette if you will - MATCHHEAD OUT) an un-lit wooden match. . . while cutting the onion. I know it sounds dumb - but it's what my x mom in law taught me when I was a young mom. Secondly, when I cook in the crock. I just cut off the ends, peel, and then plunk into the crock either the WHOLE onion (for soups) or I cut the onion into quarters only when I can (for pot roasts.) Once the soup is ready, I then simply retrieve OUT and throw away the large onion (if it doesn't just fall apart - if it does it makes the soup better). I think for me these newer habits must save the tear problem, which perhaps is why I haven't used the match in so long I really almost forgot about it. Y know, I've been EVEN chopping occasoinally without the match for years, (and I'm a very avid cook) so maybe -just maybe one day you get immune to it. Not sure. One more thought: white onions ARE the most tearful - which I seldom use anyway. Hope this is helpful! Contact me anytime @ ____@____.com

I've heard that running cold water while ur cutting helps =)

I have to say I have never cried from chopping onions (dunno why- they just don't bother me!) but I've heard these things can help:

Run water while chopping and place your cutting board by the sink as you chop.

Sit a glass of water by the cutting board as you chop.

Chew gum while you chop.

If slicing, slice WITH the grain.

Hope these help!
M.

I don't sell it, but I use The Pampered Chef Ultimate Slice and Grate and it goes so fast, I never cry anymore! I have had it for a while, so I'm not sure if it is still in their catalog. Just be careful you don't cut your fingers! It's the best.

My husband taught me breathing through my mouth instead of my nose while cutting them works and it does, for us anyway. I also saw on Marth Stewart that burning a candle in the cooking area is supposed to help as well. Good luck!

RM

I agree with the last post!! My family loves when I chop onions, because I wear my swim goggles!! I keep them in the drawer right where my other kitchen utensils are (especially in the winter since I'm not doing much swimming)! It works amazingly and what's better than a good laugh at yourself!!!

I heard that if you run water over the onions while you are cutting them, it helps. Also I have a small chopper and I use it all the time and that sure helps and is quicker.

Look in the frozen vegetable section and buy a bag of chopped onions. They are CHEAP and last forever--no more sprouting or fuzzy onions in the pantry, and NO CHOPPING. Just drop in as many as you need--end of tears, end of rotten onions, end of onion smelling hands.

I'm not a rep, but pampered chef has a chopper that works great. I think I've heard that keeping onions in the fridge works too.

Can you handle one more suggestion? I didn't read all of the suggestions you received, but I did read your response. I've found that chewing gum (much more pleasant than matchsticks) while cutting onions keeps me from crying. It sure doesn't require as much advance planning as freezing, etc...

I've found that if you burn a candle when chopping onion works. Make sure the candle is next to the chopping area.

I heard to put on swimming goggles to cut them, the fumes does not get to your eyes. Unsure if this works or is just a wives tale.
I also have heard not to talk while chopping onions and you also will experience no tears.

OMG...I was also doing the Crockpot the other night, cutting onions, and crying!! I tried the sunglasses that same night, prior to reading this post...didn't work!!! It did make it less painful and less tears. I would love to try goggles and see if that works. I think I will try the water/burner ideas. Good luck to use both!!

Wear goggles... swim goggles work.

I've heard that if you run them under cold water first, you won't have the tears. Or frozen, or a chopper.

yes place the onion in the refrigerator the night before then when you cot it it won't make you cry. or you can look silly hold a piece of bread in your mouth and you won't cry either

Chop the onions under water (either running water or a bowl or pot of water). It works wonders.

I always heard that if you put the onion in the freezer & avoid cutting the core out until most of the chopping is done. I personally just use my Pampered Chef chopper :)

Take the top and outer skin off but NOT THE BOTTOM ROOT. For chopping, cut the onion in half and immediately place the two cuts face down on your chopping board. From the top end slice thinly lengthwise toward the root and then make secondary cuts horizontal. All chopped and fast for little eye irritation.
V. from Wheaton

Hello E., my name is C. an I watch a ton of cooking shows. I saw some where once that when onions make you cry that's a sign of them going bad . If you do come across those that make you cry, put your wrists under cold water an bring your face close to the water an it will stop you from crying. Let me know if it works, because I have to be honest I have not tried it myself! Good Luck!

I just read an article that they have bred tear-free onions, but until those are readly available...I was told that if you keep a slice of bread near where you are cutting the onion, that it would absorb the tear causing stuff. and be sure to not rub your face or move your hands near your face while chopping. On a side note...to get the onion smell of of your hands, just take a table knife and run it under water while rubbing your hands on it....smell's gone:)

Try buying a mini-chopper. I have one from Bed, Bath, & Beyond that was around $12. It will not only stop the tears but save you a ton of time.

Placing a piece of bread in your mouth should help. Also, use the sharpest knife possible when cutting. A dull knife breaks more of the onion cells that cause crying.

Stay next to the sink with the cold water on and rinse after every cut if possible. Rinse your knife, hands and the onion if possible. Put the chopped onion in a container of cold water as you chop it up and rinse your hands.

I find that not having my face over the onion helps quite a bit. I wear glasses which seem to help, too.

Also, soak your onion in cold water for a few minutes before cutting.

Some onions are less potent than others. Try sweet yellow onions next time - I never have problems with those. Normal yellow or white tend to be the worst. Remember that most of the oils are in the top few layers and in the stem area. If you chop an onion like the real chefs do, you won't chop into the stem. I just peel the top 2-3 layers under running water. Then I chop it. (You hold the stem in one hand and don't run the knife through it - just perpendicular to it. So you're not chopping all the way through. Then turn the onion and cut again and this time nice little diced pieces will fall away onto the cutting board).

I chop next to my stove. I have a gas stove and I turn a burner on low and chop away. Don't remember where I read it but it works like a charm.

I have found if I peel the oinion then only cut off the end without the root that it is alittle better, there are not so many tears. Just thought i would let ya know..it works for me.

Yes put your onions to be used in the freezer for maybe
an hour (no tears)

E., if you have a two kids under four and are getting the makeup on, I have to take my hat off to you! I could barely rally the shower on many days... My kids are now the ripe old ages of 8 and ten. The only tip I know for onions is to run them under cold water once you've peeled them and taken off the end. I suppose the colder the better, to keep the onion juice from vaporising up into your eyes. Still not a total remedy though...
S. C

Try doing it under running cold water...

Actually, I am in a foods course currently and my Chef/profesor says while you cut your onion, put a piece of bread in your mouth...the bread will absorb any odor, which will make you NOT cry!

I saw a cooking show on TV and it said to chew gum when chopping onions. It said it keeps you from crying. Onions don't make me tear up, so I've never tried it.

Hi E.,

My husband is a chef and has told me to have a tall glass of water nearby as I chop. I see a lot of testimonial to the onion chopper (won't name the brand) but I find it a waste of my time. If you know HOW to chop veggies, you can actually do it much faster than loading a little chopper and then having to clean one more item at the end.

Good luck!