Every hostess has faced the unpleasant effect of tears when cutting onions at least once. Some accept it, while others start searching online for tips on how to minimize tears while cutting. We turned to chef Alexey Karpov from 'Gastronom' to find out what tricks can help avoid unnecessary tears.
Generally, tears are caused by white onions, and less often by red onions or shallots. Leeks and green onions hardly ever cause tears.
Alexey Karpov explains that the level of "tear-inducing" in onions largely depends on their variety and the conditions in which they were grown. "For example, if the onion is very 'angry', it may indicate a lack of watering," notes the chef. In such cases, it is helpful to soak the peeled onion in cold water for 30, or even 40 or 50 minutes. This method will help reduce tears when cutting any onion, but it will be especially effective for those varieties that were not watered enough during growth.
Another way to reduce tears is to ensure good ventilation in the room while cutting onions. Open a window and a door to create a draft. This will help the volatile substances that cause tears to evaporate more quickly.
What definitely does not help is chewing gum while cutting or placing a bowl or glass of cold water nearby, shares the chef.
When we asked if there is a method that will guarantee no tears when cutting onions, Alexey just shrugged. Such a method does not exist; one can only reduce the number of tears, he says.
"When you have been cooking for many years, you no longer pay attention to such little things as tears from onions," concludes the chef.
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