Well this fact about onions got me thinking, because as I commented to him, I can remember at one time being told that to stop your eyes watering while peeling/cutting an onion you need to hold a metal spoon in your mouth!!! Some people say this works although you do look a little silly while cutting your onion ...
But on further investigation this could be the right thing to do!
My thanks to Victor for giving me this idea for a post.
Happy onion peeling/cutting everyone.
All the best Jan
But on further investigation this could be the right thing to do!
"Eyes burning, nose stinging, face watering; we all know how it goes when it comes to cutting onions. Some people grin (cry) and bear the discomfort that comes with slicing into that root vegetable and releasing the chemical syn-propanethial-S-oxide. (Yes, that's what causes us to cry!) While others have a list of onion-cutting tips, such as keeping your knife razor-sharp or refrigerating your onion before chopping. However, there is an oddly simple, no-tears onion-cutting solution that could change your entire experience: a metal spoon.
That's right, all you need to do is put a metal spoon in your mouth while chopping, and it will stop the onion's acidity from irritating your eyes. As a natural-born skeptic, I did not expect this to work when I pulled out my large, white (unrefrigerated) onion for the chopping. Lo and behold, I cut the onion in half and then into half-moons without a single tear shed throughout the process. Although, according to my family, I looked absolutely ridiculous.
How does the spoon trick work?
You may have already heard of other versions of this no-tear method, from clenching a wooden spoon between your teeth to holding some bread in your mouth. While not all of these techniques have been tested and tried, the theory behind how and why they work applies to all. Some think the composition of the metals in the spoon creates a barrier that prevents harsh chemicals from entering your eyes. In reality, the reasoning is much simpler. When you put a spoon in your mouth, your breathing shifts from your nose to your mouth, which stops the syn-propanethial-S-oxide from reaching your eyes.
There are plenty of ways to avoid crying while cutting onions. One of the most effective is to chop them with your oven's hood fan running. However, if you want to try the spoon experiment at home, you can easily do so with a coffee spoon, wooden ladle, or even a toothpick. While some believe that this method is a myth (and I don't blame them), it worked wonders for me. To be clear, I only tried the trick on one onion so it was admittedly a small sample size. Aside from making you look silly for about five minutes, this hack is so easy it's worth at least a try the next time you're chopping onions."
Words above from article here
That's right, all you need to do is put a metal spoon in your mouth while chopping, and it will stop the onion's acidity from irritating your eyes. As a natural-born skeptic, I did not expect this to work when I pulled out my large, white (unrefrigerated) onion for the chopping. Lo and behold, I cut the onion in half and then into half-moons without a single tear shed throughout the process. Although, according to my family, I looked absolutely ridiculous.
How does the spoon trick work?
You may have already heard of other versions of this no-tear method, from clenching a wooden spoon between your teeth to holding some bread in your mouth. While not all of these techniques have been tested and tried, the theory behind how and why they work applies to all. Some think the composition of the metals in the spoon creates a barrier that prevents harsh chemicals from entering your eyes. In reality, the reasoning is much simpler. When you put a spoon in your mouth, your breathing shifts from your nose to your mouth, which stops the syn-propanethial-S-oxide from reaching your eyes.
There are plenty of ways to avoid crying while cutting onions. One of the most effective is to chop them with your oven's hood fan running. However, if you want to try the spoon experiment at home, you can easily do so with a coffee spoon, wooden ladle, or even a toothpick. While some believe that this method is a myth (and I don't blame them), it worked wonders for me. To be clear, I only tried the trick on one onion so it was admittedly a small sample size. Aside from making you look silly for about five minutes, this hack is so easy it's worth at least a try the next time you're chopping onions."
Words above from article here
If you do give this a try please let us know in the comments how you got on, and if you have your own tip to share which helps when peeling onions please let us know in the comments section.
My thanks to Victor for giving me this idea for a post.
Happy onion peeling/cutting everyone.
All the best Jan
33 comments:
That's very interesting! I'll have to try it.
...being lazy in the kitchen, my Sweetie cuts the onions. I'll have to tell her this.
Might have to try this.
I do find fresher onions make me cry more that ones that have been on the vegetable rack too long.
Tina
Gracias por el consejo. Te mando un beso.
I've never heard this before. It is truly fascinating .
I wear glasses. Onions rarely make me cry.
Interesting -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
I use my old college lab plastic goggles when I cut onions. I taped up the vent holes and have no problem this way. It's interesting that my nose is still exposed to fumes but the covered eye area seems to prevent crying. Linda in Kansas
I heard stick piece bread in your mouth, as your cutting up an onion.
I am going to try it :-)) For me, using a sharp knife usually works though, esp. if I just cut one or two.
It makes sense that shifting your breathing pattern could help, though I imagine the sight of someone chopping onions with a spoon hanging out of their mouth would be quite a conversation starter
Will try this, Jan.
I've never had a problem. I thought it was a fabricated story that onions made people cry to get them out of chopping, a laborious task for sure. My mother nor grandmother cried either when chopping onions.
I must admit I haven't been troubled by this for a long time. Maybe my onions are not as fresh as they should be.
These days for some unknown reason I no longer cry when cutting onions. Mouth breathing?
Interesting, I will give the spoon a try.
Take care, have a happy day and a great week ahead!
That's an useful information!
It's a matter of trying, peeling under water convinces me less than crying, come on I prefer to cry, but we'll have to try the spoon
Happy week.
Best regards
Unless I'm doing a LOT of onions (onion soup) I usually make it through without tears. But this will be fun to try just for the heck of it!
Oh my gosh I am going to try this. Thanks.
I must try this, if I can remember before I start peeling. Some onions are more pungent than others.
this is an interesting tip, i have never heard before. excellent for those who need it!! i only use sweet vidalia onions and they never make me cry!!
I press my lips firmly together when I cut an onion. Seems to work for me, unless I'm cutting up a great pile of onions.
Onions don't usually make me tear up but this is good to know.
Never heard of that trick. I just peel the onion under running cold water. After that chopping doesn't seem to be a teary issue
I'll have to let Shari know seeing that she is the master cook.
This was interesting and funny at the same time. The only type of onions I've been cutting for a long time are green onions. I seem to want them in everything. They don't make my eyes water at all thank God.
Well, that's quite interesting information, Jan. Thanks for sharing. I'll give it a try because I use a lot of onions.
That is interesting. I run cold water over the onion before cutting it. It works every time for me.
I can't remember who told me or if I read it somewhere to just keep your mouth shut, not to talk or breathe through your mouth and it wouldn't bother you and I have done it that way ever since and it seems to work :) Maybe that is why the spoon thing works?
I must try this! I love white onions and they do nip. Red onion don't give me that nippy feeling but they upset my tummy so don't eat them. Metal spoon here I come!
I'm ok but my sister in law used to wear pool google and a mask...for real!! So funny!
Oh sounds interesting trick yet bit hard to follow lol
Thanks so sharing dear Jan 🙏🥰♥️
Post a Comment