You're Going To Make Me Cry: Onion Cutting Tips

I hate cutting onions. Seriously, I hate it. It makes my eyes burn and I always tear up. I go to extreme measures to insure my eyes won't hate me by the end of my onion chopping. Here are some of my tips - be sure to share your own!


Cut it properly

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The image above is a perfect example of how one should cut an onion (feel free to follow the via link for detailed instructions). Don't try to be a Gordon Ramsay and assume that if you start chopping really quickly, it'll get the job done. It won't. The tears you end up experiencing may be from cutting your own finger off.

Use a candle

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Set a lit candle near the onion you're chopping. Apparently, the gas emitted from the onion is drawn to the flame.

I tried this with a tea candle and it didn't work very well. Make sure the candle you're using has a bigger flame.

Keep your lips closed and breath through your nose

When you're chopping onions, you should keep your mouth closed the entire time to prevent tears. I don't know if that's just an old wives tale or not. I'm not sure what the science behind it is either. I do it anyway and it actually seems to help!

Squint

Don't be a fool and chop with your eyes closed. That's never a good idea (for obvious reason) but I find that squinting helps. When you need to open your eyes fully, look away from the onion.

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Wearing contacts?

I've read that wearing contacts while chopping onions helps create a barrier between your eye and the gas omitted by the onion. Sorry, but I call BS on this one. I've worn contacts while cutting onions and I still tear up. What's worse is when I take my contacts out: my eyes burns!

What tips and tricks do you have for cutting onions without crying?