Cutting Onions and Watery Eyes

[Gone Hiking]

Anyone have any tips to prevent burning and watery eyes when cutting onions? I know you're supposed to keep the root on to prevent it from "bleeding", which releases the irritating compounds, but that's it. The one thing I've found that helps is to cut the onions on the stovetop with the fume hood on full exhaust, however, it doesn't totally eliminate the problem. It seems some onions are more potent than others, as sometimes I have no problem, and other times I have to keep stepping away from the cutting board.

 

[Barriehie]

Couple of tips here. The onions release a gas when you cut them, AKA revenge farts that bother your eyes...

 

[TastyReuben]

I’m not all that susceptible to it, but two things that really help - very sharp knife, and work quickly (and safely).

 

[SoCalZone10]

I cry every time I cut onions.

 

[TastyReuben]

I cry every time I cut onions.

You don’t need to cry…they don’t feel a thing.

 

[badjak]

Wear a scuba diving mask , preferably with snorkel attached.

I am not that much affected, but it depends a bit on the onions. Recently a batch made me cry.