The fridge can do it, too; just make sure not to keep them next to apples or potatoes, or leave them in there for too long (20 minutes should do it) – they can cause odors if you do.
Some say to do it under running water, but this is a bit tricky, too, obviously. The gushing water makes everything go a little haywire in your hands.
Of course, a breeze of any kind can send the fine, misty spray toward your eyes, so pay attention to air currents too. Turn that fan on – and point it in the right direction!
Others say to chew gum. When an onion is cut, a chemical is released into the air. It irritates the lachrymal glands, causing them to excrete tears. Chewing gum while cutting onions prevents tears by forcing you to breathe through your mouth. Chewing gum before, during or after cutting onions promotes production of saliva. Saliva absorbs the vapors emitted by cut onions, preventing them from condensing on the eye and causing tears. It is best to start chewing gum before starting to cut onions, and to remember to breathe through the mouth while cutting the onion.
Be wary of the one-size-fits-all onion goggles you can find online. The odds of them fitting aren’t 100%. And if you have glasses? You’re better off with a different method.
Put vinegar on the chopping board. The acid denatures the enzyme. Soak the onion in salt water. The ionic solution denatures the enzyme. But do know that this can change the flavor.
Not your best bet, however. Some say it just masks the smell and doesn’t actually work. But hey, your kitchen will smell nice! Remember to blow it out after you’re finished cutting the onions.
