Reduce Tearing by Chilling Onions

Irritation to the eyes, which causes tearing, is caused by the sulfuric compounds contained in the onion, which are released when the onion is cut. The higher the level of sulfur content in an onion the more of a problem tearing will be. Shown below are some additional suggested solutions.

• Trim off stem end and peel down to the root end. Leave root end on as long as possible because that is where the sulfur is most heavily concentrated.
• Slice under cold running water.
• Peel the onion, cut in half and let soak in water for 10 minutes before cutting.
• Light one or two candles in the area you are cutting the onion.
• Be sure to use a sharp knife to expose less of the sulfur compounds.
• Have a fan blowing the fumes away from you.
• Chop onions on a cutting board on the stovetop with the exhaust fan running.
• Use a food processor for chopping.