Crying from onions

[maizeyoats]

Someone asked what to do about crying when working with onions.I can't locate the thread so I don't know if this has been posted. I just came upon this on another site. I hope it works.
Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!

[RobinC]

I read in Cooks' Illustrated that buring a candle close to where you are chopping onions helps to control the onion tears. The candle will burn the fumes from the onion that cause the tears. I cry horribly when chopping onions. I found that lighting a few votives around the cutting board actually works.

The only other method that has worked for me has been wearing swim goggles while chopping onions. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[AudreyOB]

Not sure if it really works, but I read that if you peel the onion and freeze it for a bit, the onion won't release whatever it is that makes us cry.

Good luck.

[Vanessa]

Oh I hate crying while chopping onions and the mascara just smearing....Now I put the onion in the refrigerator a bit then chop seems it works so far.Also my MIL gave me these gadget you crank and chops onions pretty nicely.

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 04-28-2001).]

[Ralph]

Agree with Vanessa - if you refrigerate the onion, crying will be lessened.

Also just learned from Alton Brown (Food TV's Good Eats) that most of what makes you cry comes from the root end of the onion. So, if you avoid cutting as far into the root, you won't cry. Trust me, it seems to work.

[Gail]

Well gee... I don't think I'm the one who actually posted a question on this subject, but ever since I stopped wearing contacts due to laser surgery, this has been a terrible problem for me. I cry at onions, shallots and occasionally even leeks. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/cwm/3dlil/cry.gif I for one am extremely grateful for all the suggestions. Thanks, guys.

[catharine]

I saw this on a cooking show (it was that one with the cool, British guy). I know this sounds so nutty, but it works:

When your eyes start to tear, stick your head in the freezer. Just for a few seconds, and obviously not all the way in http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif.

Seriously, it works. Obviously it is not preventative, but try it. Let me know what you think.

[This message has been edited by catharine (edited 04-28-2001).]