Cutting onions is one of the most dreaded kitchen tasks for many home cooks. However, recent research has found a simple and effective way to chop onions without crying. The key lies not in special equipment or preparation methods, but rather in proper knife technique.
When you cut into an onion, it damages its cells, releasing enzymes that convert sulfur compounds into syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This chemical reacts with the air and irritates your eyes, prompting tears as a natural response. Research at Cornell University has shown that the method of cutting significantly impacts how much of this tear-inducing substance reaches your eyes.
The main factors affecting tear production are knife sharpness and cutting speed. Using a sharp knife and slow cutting motion reduces the amount of irritating compounds released into the air. This is because a sharp knife cleanly slices through the onion cells, minimizing juice spray. On the other hand, dull knives compress the onion layers, causing them to bend inward before springing back and forcefully ejecting juice.
The researchers also found that slowing down your cutting motion allows for more precise slicing and significantly less tear-inducing spray. This patient approach yields better results than rushing through the task. Moreover, this technique helps preserve the onion’s flavor compounds when cut properly.
Beyond preventing tears, this method has broader hygiene benefits in the kitchen. Minimizing airborne food particles limits the spread of potential pathogens during food preparation. Commercial kitchens can benefit from implementing these techniques as standard practice, while home cooks can adopt a more comfortable and healthier cooking experience.
Maintaining sharp kitchen knives is a wise investment for any cook. By understanding the science behind everyday problems, we can improve our culinary experience through better technique and equipment. This discovery reminds us that effective solutions often come from applying scientific principles to everyday tasks.
Source: https://farmingdale-observer.com/2025/06/14/scientists-reveal-how-to-cut-onions-without-crying-and-their-method-is-incredibly-simple