Slicing onions can be difficult for many people because of the tears that accompany this process. But don't worry, there are many tricks you can follow to reduce the effect of these tears and make the cutting process more comfortable. From using special tools to simple methods that can be implemented at home, you will learn how to cut onions easily. In my Dalili Medical guide, we will also discuss how to store onions after cutting them properly to ensure that they maintain their flavor for as long as possible.

Does the type of onion affect their properties?

 

Yes, there are several types of onions, and some produce fewer chemicals that cause tears compared to other types. The onions that cause the strongest chemical reactions contain a high percentage of sulfur compounds, and the most prominent of these types are: yellow, red, and white onions.

How can I store cut onions in the refrigerator?

 

To store cut onions in the refrigerator properly, they must first be stored in a tightly sealed container or a resealable plastic bag to maintain their freshness. You can cut them using an onion slicer to get equal and easy-to-use pieces later. If you plan to keep onions for several days, it is best to place them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator away from other foods to avoid absorbing odors. However, if you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze onions after cutting them, making sure to place them in an airtight freezer bag to prevent air leakage. It is best to use the cut onions within a week for the best taste and nutritional value. Learning how to cut onions correctly will help you avoid a lot of hassles while preparing food.

**Does cutting onions affect the eyes?**

 

Yes, cutting onions affects the eyes due to the sulfurous gases released when cutting them, which causes eye irritation and leads to crying. However, these effects can be greatly reduced by using an onion slicer, as it cuts them accurately and safely.

**Do onions draw heat?**

 

Yes, it is believed that onions can draw heat from the body. Cutting onions into slices and placing them on the feet or forehead may help relieve fever and lower the temperature.

**Should onions be washed?**

 

Yes, it is necessary to wash onions before cutting and using them to remove dirt and potential microbes.

**Does onion help reduce fever?**

 

Yes, onions can help reduce fever thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that cutting onions and putting them in socks while sleeping can help cool the body. Onion slices can also be used and placed on the forehead or feet to reduce fever.

**Benefits of onions for the eyes**

Onions are a staple in global cuisines thanks to their unique flavor, but they also have many health benefits, including eye health. Here are some of these benefits:

**Powerful antioxidants:** Onions are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, which are compounds that help fight free radicals that can damage cells, including eye cells. This can help reduce the risk of conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

**A source of vitamin C:** Onions also contain vitamin C, which is essential for eye health. Vitamin C helps promote healthy blood vessels in the eyes and supports good vision function.

**Anti-inflammation:** Another benefit of onions for the eyes is that they contain anti-inflammatory substances, as they can help relieve symptoms such as redness and irritation, especially in cases of eye inflammation.

**Supporting blood vessel health:** The sulfur in onions, whether red or white, contributes to strengthening blood vessels, which helps maintain good blood flow to the eyes, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision.

**Reducing the risk of glaucoma**: Some preliminary studies suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in onions may contribute to reducing the risk of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. This is one of the most prominent benefits of onions for the eyes.

**Best ways to cut onions**

**The first method:**Start by placing the onion so that the roots are at the bottom, then use a sharp knife without removing the peel. Cut the onion in half lengthwise, then get rid of the two upper ends and remove the peel. Hold the top of the onion and cut it into thin slices lengthwise. You can use this method to prepare Mujaddara onions.

**Method 2:** Follow the same steps as above, cutting the onion in half while keeping the peel and cutting off the top two ends. Hold the top of the onion and cut it into slices, making sure not to cut it completely so that it remains connected. Then, make horizontal cuts in the onion for several layers, then chop it finely. You can use this method to prepare samosa filling or pasta sauce.

**Method 3:** Start by cutting the onion in half while keeping its peel, then cut off the top two ends and remove the peel. Hold the top of the onion and cut it into wide slices, then cut it into cubes. This method is ideal for stew and side dishes.

**Method 4:** Remove the onion peel, but instead of cutting it in half, cut it into full, wide circles to prepare crispy onion rings.

**Method 5:** As in the previous steps, cut the onion in half with its peel, then cut off the top and remove the peel. Hold the onion half and separate the slices from each other to prepare for grilling. It is best to grill the onion in medium size.

**Ways to avoid tears while cutting onions**

 

Cutting onions with a knife**If you are having trouble cutting onions without making your eyes water, you can use a sharp, wet knife. A sharp knife helps to cut the onion precisely, which reduces the pressure on it and reduces the release of tear-causing gases. Proper cutting also prevents the release of these gases in a big wayFor condensation. If your knives are dull, you can sharpen them with a knife sharpener. It is also preferable to use a wide cutting board to facilitate the cutting process, making sure that it is firmly fixed to the table. For those looking for a faster solution, you can use an onion slicer, which allows you to do this quickly and accurately without any hassle.

Cooling onions before cutting**Cooling onions in the freezer is an effective trick to reduce tears and irritation while cutting. You can put onions in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before you start cooking, which reduces the sulfurous substances that cause eye irritation. Make sure not to place onions near frozen fruits, as the odors can lead to unwanted interference.

Slicing onions under water**The method of slicing onions under water is one of the useful tricks for those who suffer from onion allergies. Water helps dissolve the substance that irritates the eyes and causes crying, which reduces the annoying effects. However, this method may be a bit difficult at first, as it is difficult to control holding the onion under water, and the flow of running water may cause it to fall from your hands, making the process messy if you have not been able to control it. After that, you need to filter the water and remove the pieces to complete the slicing process, so it is preferable to use an onion slicer, which will help you slice quickly without causing harm to the eye.

Chew bread or gum** Chewing helps avoid shedding tears and a runny nose when slicing onions; Because of the mouth movement during chewing, which forces a person to breathe through the mouth, you should chew a piece of bread or gum very slowly and leave them in the mouth for some time, which allows the mouth to fill with water and thus prevents the burning materials when they rise from the onion before they reach the eyes. If you are looking for faster ways to cut onions, you can resort to an onion cutting machine, which will help you cut easily and in a short time.

**Breathing through the mouth and pushing the tongue out**When cutting onions, you can avoid tears by breathing through the mouth and pushing your tongue out. This method helps attract the gas produced by the onion to your moist tongue, preventing it from reaching the olfactory nerve near the tear gland nerve, thus stopping the tears from flowing. You can easily notice this; if you forget and breathe through your nose, the tears will start flowing immediately. Learning the correct way to cut onions will save you a lot of trouble while cooking. It is also recommended to fix the cutting board well while working, and using a cutting tool can facilitate the process and achieve better results.

**Wearing safety glasses:** Wearing safety glasses helps prevent tear-inducing gases from reaching your eyes, reducing the likelihood of tears while cutting onions. It is important to ensure that the glasses are the right size for your face to ensure that the vapors do not enter your eyes.

**Massaging the onion cutting board with lemon:** Before you start cutting onions, it is best to rub the sharp knife and cutting board with lemon. Lemon will help reduce the effect of the sulfur substance that causes eye irritation and tearing. However, it should be noted that the flavor of the onions may be affected by the lemon flavor.

**Using a fan to expel onion gas:** You can place a fan in a suitable corner of the kitchen while cutting onions. The fan will help expel onion gas away from the work area, reducing the severity of tearing.

**Removing the root:** The onion root, which contains thin, hair-like threads, is the part that releases the active enzyme, which reacts with the juice of the onion layers, producing an irritating gas to the eyes that causes tearing. You can reduce the chances of tearing by removing the root first before cutting the onions.

You can also chop onions near a pot of hot water or near a boiling pot, as the steam produced helps reduce and disperse the onion odor.

You can also whistle while chopping onions, as the airflow from the whistle helps keep the onion mist away from your eyes.

Place a small piece of bread in your mouth. Many people believe that chewing bread, especially slowly, helps reduce tears while chopping onions. So, chew the bread slowly, leaving it slightly outside your mouth. Although this may be a bit uncomfortable, it will help prevent your tears. Some people recommend chewing gum while chopping onions, as this forces you to breathe through your mouth, which promotes the production of saliva that absorbs the onion vapor and prevents it from condensing on your eyes, which causes tears. You can also use acidic solutions, as ionic or acidic solutions can deactivate the enzymes that are released when chopping onions. For example, you can put vinegar on the cutting board, as the acid deactivates the enzyme, or soak the onion in salt water, as the ionic solution destroys the enzyme. But you should take into account that this may affect the flavor of the onion. Another method is to use a candle while cutting the onion, as you can light a candle and place it near the cutting board before you start, which helps to draw the gas produced by the onion into the candle flame.