Over the years I've tried so many different ways to stop the tears while chopping onions with no good results.
- Freezing the onion (I always forget it in the freezer then can't use it for dinner that night)
- Chop it under running water (it's slippery and my chopping board does not fit in my sink)
- Light a candle (it doesn't help at all while chopping, but does make the after-smell lessen)
- Chewing gum (tears stream down my face)
There is hope though! I've found one easy way to stop the tears, that everybody should have easy access to. What does work then?
A spoon. Yes, grab a spoon from your cupboard and put it in your mouth next time you chop or slice onions. The smaller one that you use to eat cereal, soup, or ice cream. The curved back of the spoon fits perfectly against the roof of your mouth. I'm not sure the science behind how exactly this works to stop the irritation from the onions, but it does work.
I've been doing this for the last 10 years and it has always stopped tears from streaming down my face. In fact, when I do this trick, I don't have any irritation at all.
I know this tip sounds strange, but I shared it 4 or 5 years ago on Facebook and people tried it and let me know that it worked for them too! I can't take the credit for thinking this up though. I saw this on an episode of Veronica Mars and tried it the next time I chopped onions. It worked perfectly! So thank you to the writers of that show for 10 years of tear free onion chopping.
Hope this tip helps you out in the kitchen! I'd love for you to share in the comments below what works for you.
~ Happy Cooking!
This tip will be very helpful in the kitche. Just need to remember.
ReplyDeleteGood luck next time with the onions Candace. I've already had a reader comment on my Facebook page that she used this tip this morning and it worked for her.
DeleteNever heard this tip! I have also tried avoiding the onion tears a million different ways but this one is new to me. I'll give it a go next time. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI know it seems like a strange one, but it works great and you already have what you need for it. Also, no prep needed. Thanks for stopping by Adrienne. =)
DeleteThat is awesome information to know!! Using this in the future😀
ReplyDeleteGlad it could help you out Ashley. There are few things worse than watery eyes after onions.
DeleteThat is so interesting! I have heard the same tip for sneezing! Pinned.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of it about sneezing. That's good to know.
DeleteI'll have to try this one. The stainless steel spoon is also great for washing the smell off your hands. There are bar soap shaped stainless steel 'things' to wash with, but just rub a largish ss spoon all over your hands under cool running water.
ReplyDeleteTo prevent the eye problem, I just set my kitchen fan (I get so hot in the kitchen) to blow sideways across my cutting board. No fumes in the eyes -- no pain in the eyes.
Thanks for sharing your tip about how to get the onion smell off hands. I wonder if it works for peppers too?
DeleteWell, I never knew!! Thanks for the tip - I'm going to try it!
ReplyDeleteGlad to be helpful! Hope it works for you. =)
DeleteInteresting. I'm intrigued! I bought a manual food processor from Pampered Chef and have been using that for everything - especially onions.
ReplyDeleteThe food chopper from PC is pretty great! I was a PC consultant 11 years ago and still have all of my items. In fact, most of my kitchen supplies shown are from Pampered Chef because I love their items.
DeleteHuh, wow. First how did this discovery come about I wonder? I thought that about the candle also. I tried the candle and it was a joke. I will try this. I'm sure I'll get a lot of laughs from the family while cutting an onion but it is better then the tears. Thanks for posting this I will try this for sure!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how someone thought this up too Jenn. My kids think it's hilarious when I do it, so fun in the kitchen time for sure. =)
DeleteHmmm, I'll have to try this! I always end up crying, onions get me so bad!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds strange, but it works. Thanks for stopping by Angie!
DeleteI have tried a number of the ways you listed to no avail, looking forward to trying this one. Thanks for sharing this tip!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help out Kim! Anything to cut down on the crying in the kitchen. =)
DeleteYou know, I do believe this works. Similarly, I learned a tip from my son's pediatrician to help people to not gag when they get a throat culture. You grab your thumb with your other hand and squeeze it firmly. No gagging! She said a 4 year old patient taught her that one and it works every time!
ReplyDeleteThere are some strange natural tips aren't there? It's nice when they work!
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