Cutting such a healthy and tasty vegetable as onion is invariably accompanied by tearing. You will learn from this article why this phenomenon takes place and what root-cutting techniques exist to prevent tearing.
Why do watery eyes water from a bow?
Tearing of the eyes causes unique fumes that are released when slicing the bulb. Indeed, the main reason for the appearance of tears is the presence of a unique substance in the vegetable - a lacrimator, the vapor of which, getting on the mucous membrane of the eye, dissolves in tears, eventually forming sulfuric acid, which causes irritation.
During the growth of the vegetable, it absorbs sulfur from the soil, which, in combination with amino acids, forms sulfoxides of amino acids. When cutting root vegetables, these cells undergo destruction, during which they release their contents. Upon contact with air, sulfoxides form volatile sulfur compounds that cause mucosal irritation. Simply, the human eye thus tries to remove sulfur from the cornea.
Volatile sulfur also penetrates the nasal passages, which as a result begin to itch, and tearing intensifies.
Important! When chopping the root crop, a sufficiently small amount of sulfuric matter is released, therefore it is not capable of causing harm to human eyes.
How to cut onions and not cry
When you cut the root crop, the human eye begins to tear, and this is a normal natural phenomenon, during which the natural protection of the mucous membrane occurs. However, the effect of such an external stimulus can be minimized by several simple and accessible methods.
Freezer
One of the easiest and most effective ways to combat tearing is to cool the onion at sub-zero temperatures. Experts recommend half an hour before cleaning the vegetable, place it in the freezer or in the refrigerator. Low temperature indicators inhibit the release of sulfuric matter, slowing down the rate of vapor production, which, therefore, has a less negative effect on the mucous membrane of the eye. It is also advised to cool the knife used for slicing.
If there is no opportunity to cool the root crop with a freezer or refrigerator, then you can immerse it in very cold, icy water for 3-4 minutes.
Chewing gum
In order not to cry in the process of chopping the vegetable, some advise in the process of chewing chewing gum. As practice shows, such a method is not as effective as the previous one, but in some cases it can be used.
The chewing gum comes down to simple steps:
- when chopping onions, chewing gum begins;
- breathe exclusively through the mouth. If breathing this way does not work, then the nose is tied with a scarf or any natural tissue.
Did you know? Libya is considered the world leader in onion consumption. Each resident of the state eats about 33 kg of healthy vegetable annually, adding it to almost all dishes.
Drinking water while chopping onions
Cutting onions with a mouthful of water is considered one of the oldest methods of controlling tearing. However, to this day he has not lost his popularity. It is enough, in the process of peeling and cutting the root crop, to draw plain water into the mouth. When a slight burning sensation occurs, change the water to a new one.
Using a wooden spoon
People’s advisers argue that holding a wooden spoon in your mouth while chopping onions allows you to absorb the vapor of sulfuric matter and prevent the formation of tear.
Candle usage
Near the cutting board, where it is planned to chop the vegetable, it is recommended to place a lighted wax candle. The flame from a candle will allow oxidizing sulfuric substance and changing its composition so that it does not have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the eye.
Important! To apply the described method, you can not use a paraffin candle, since it is ineffective.
Cutting onions in glasses
To clean the vegetable and make sure that tears do not flow, you can use any goggles that are on the farm - sun glasses, snowboard glasses or swimming goggles. Lenses will make it possible to block the access of onion gas to the eyes and reliably protect them from tears. A kind of ammunition can be supplemented with a clothespin for diving, setting it on the nose.
Features of the use of onions in cooking
Onion is one of the most common and sought-after vegetables, without which it is difficult to imagine world cuisine. It has a universal range of applications and can be used for cooking snacks, first and second courses, pastries and even desserts.
The described vegetable has a number of useful properties, which are due to its rich chemical composition, presented: essential oils, vitamins A, E and group B, ascorbic acid, mineral salts, antioxidants, organic acids, flavonoids, fiber. Thanks to this multifaceted composition, the root crop has an antibacterial, wound healing, restorative, sedative, antiseptic, tonic and stimulating effect.
This makes it possible to use it for:
- the fight against colds;
- appetite improvement;
- strengthening the immune system, enhancing the protective functions of the body;
- quick healing and "healing" of wounds;
- normalization of the condition of the skin, the fight against acne and inflammation;
- strengthening hair follicles;
- acceleration of metabolic and metabolic processes;
- restoration of genital function;
- relief of toothache;
- normalization of digestion.
Of course, in addition to traditional medicine and the cosmetology field, onions found the main application in cooking. The described vegetable has a pungent, pungent odor and a spicy, burning taste. In the culinary field, it is used in any kind of processing: raw, boiled, fried, baked, stewed, pickled, salted, caramelized, etc.
Onions go well with meat and fish, a variety of vegetables, spices, cereals. It is successfully added to soups, salads, side dishes, stews, casseroles, pastries, pancakes, desserts. Vegetable is one of the main components of any preservation and harvesting for the winter. From it you can make delicious and fragrant sauces, dressings, fillings, marinades. In many countries of the world, the root crop is the basis of national dishes: onion soup (France), pie with onion filling (Great Britain).
Did you know? In nature, there are about 900 types of onions, however, only 228 of them are suitable as vegetable crops. The most popular are onions, shallots, leeks, chives and batun.
Tips from experienced chefs for slicing onions without tears
To prepare your favorite dishes and at the same time avoid onion tears, effective tips from qualified chefs will help:
- a cutting board is recommended to sprinkle a little with salt, which partially absorbs sulfuric matter;
- so that the onion does not pinch, it should be cut with a sharpened knife, with a very thin blade. It is also necessary to moisten the knife in ice water before and during chopping the vegetable;
- as soon as you feel a burning sensation, you need to smell the product with a pronounced strong odor that will “kill” sulfuric gases;
- chop the onion next to the water tap;
- before chopping, the vegetable must be soaked for several minutes in warm, slightly salted water;
- during the cutting period, turn on the fan or open the window (window) wide;
- if the vegetable pinches the eyes, it is recommended that when chopping it, talk loudly, sing various songs, recite verses. Thus, air vibrations are created in which sulfur fumes will not stagnate in the eyes, nose and mouth;
- so that the vapors do not cause irritation, you should breathe exclusively with your mouth;
- when cutting the root crop, it is necessary to stick out the tongue, the moisture of which will allow absorbing sulfur fumes before they reach the mucous membrane of the eye;
- during cutting, it is advised to blow on the bow or whistle slightly, driving away the onion fumes from the eyes and nose;
- perfectly eliminates the effects of sulfuric matter lemon. That is why it is recommended to grate the cutting board and knife with a small piece of lemon.
Video: 3 ways to cut onions without tears
Onions - one of the most healthy vegetables, which must be present in the daily menu of a person. It has a wide range of useful qualities and serves as an excellent prevention of colds. Now, knowing the basic methods of dealing with onion tears, preparing the described product will be easy, simple and with pleasure.