Onion peeling secrets: How to slice without the tears
Anyone who has ever tried to peel and slice an onion knows that it's quite a challenge—especially for the eyes. Discover effective tricks to remedy this and learn how to peel an onion quickly.
Peeling an onion, although seemingly simple, can prove to be more difficult than expected. For many of us, it means uncontrollable crying immediately following the cutting of this humble vegetable. It often results not only in tears but also in red, stinging eyes.
So why bother at all? Primarily because onions add a unique flavor to dishes, and peeling them without crying is possible! You just need to use a few tried-and-tested methods to make the process easier.
Why does peeling an onion cause tears?
Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? The reason is more complex than it seems. When you cut an onion, an enzyme called alliinase is released, which combines with other substances to create an irritating gas. When this gas reaches your eyes, the mucous membrane produces tears to protect against it.
One could say that onions naturally defend themselves from being eaten. Fortunately, there are ways to bypass this defense and enjoy a delicious dish without reaching for tissues.
How to quickly peel an onion?
A proven method for peeling onions and avoiding tears is to cut the onion in half, cut off the ends, and hit it with your fist. The onion skins will come off on their own.
Another method is to peel the onion from the side where the green shoots grow. This is easier than peeling from the root side.
Peeling and slicing onions without tears. Methods
You already know how to quickly peel an onion, but do you know how to slice it without crying? Before you start slicing, make sure the onion is properly prepared. The first step should be cooling the onion. Just put it in the freezer for a few minutes. The low temperature slows down the chemical reactions, reducing the amount of irritating gas released.
The choice of cutting tools is also important. A sharp knife is essential, as it minimizes onion crushing and, consequently, the amount of irritating substances released. Every cut should be precise and decisive, without pressing the onion unnecessarily against the cutting board.
When slicing, it's best to start from the side of the onion without the root. This is the part with the most compounds that cause tearing. Instead of cutting the onion in half, try slicing it into strips or cubes from the green shoot side, which helps minimize eye irritation.
You can also try soaking the onion in water before slicing, which helps reduce the intensity of the irritating fumes. Another approach is to rub the cutting board with lemon juice; the citric acid neutralizes the substances that cause tears.
