The cells release a colorless sulfurous acid, which is irritating to the eye. Wear something over your eyes such as goggles or eyeglasses. Cut the onion under a cold stream of water , this dissolves the molecules causing the irritating tears. Freeze the onion for l5 minutes before cutting, this reduces the enzyme effect by making it inactive. Use a very sharp knife and keep your face at a distance by standing up while cutting may also reduce tearing.
Preparation Remove the fibrous part of the onion base to make separation of the layers easier.
A finely chopped onion will cook more quickly, but it will have less flavor. Onions cut to far in advance lose their juice. The countertops and wooden cutting boards absorb the juice while the onion is being cut. Odors Onion breath can be freshened by chewing a sprig of parsley, a mint leaf or a few grains of coffee. Onion odor on your hands can be treated by rubbing your hands with lemon juice or vinegar.