By | June 2, 2025

How To Avoid Onion Tears

Avoiding onion tears—that stinging, crying reaction when chopping onions—mostly comes down to reducing your exposure to the onion’s irritating compounds (sulfur-containing gases). Here are some easy tips to help:

How to Avoid Onion Tears

1. Chill the Onion First

  • Put onions in the fridge or freezer for 15-30 minutes before cutting.
  • Cold slows the release of the tear-causing sulfur compounds.

2. Use a Sharp Knife

  • A sharp knife cuts cleanly and damages fewer cells, releasing less irritant gas.

3. Cut Under Running Water or Near a Vent

  • Chop onions near running water or a fan to carry away the gases.
  • Some people slice onions submerged in water or in a bowl of water (though this can affect flavor).

4. Cut Off the Root Last

  • The root end has the highest concentration of sulfur compounds.
  • Save cutting the root for the very end.

5. Wear Onion Goggles or Glasses

  • Special goggles or even swimming goggles can create a barrier to prevent gases from reaching your eyes.

6. Use a Food Processor

  • Minimizes your exposure since you don’t hold the onion close to your face.

7. Breathe Through Your Mouth

  • Some say breathing through your mouth and sticking your tongue out helps reduce tearing.