Onions!!

[SheepyJames]

Here I am again with a plaster wrapped around my finger after an onion chopping episode. They make me cry so much I can't see the onion for the fingers.

There are a lot of devices around for chopping onions without tears, but can any of you recommend one that you have used successfully? One day I will chop the end of my finger off altogether!!!!!

[eleanor2]

i dont know how you cut them sheepy.but i slice one end off.then stand onion on that flat end.then i seem to be able to cut them no trouble.as for the tears yes they do get in the way.so a covered device would help.thing is i just can't take to devices.i think if i had one i would not use them.

[SheepyJames]

I know what you mean, eleanor. I'm not normally a "gadget" person either. I think most are more trouble than they are worth, especially when it comes to the washing up! I was wondering about the autochop type of things which cover the onion while they chop.

[eleanor2]

sounds good.if you get one let me know will you.i'm not much for fiddling with gadgets

[Serenity]

Hi Sheepy, I wear contact lenses and they seem to stop onions from bothering me, so how about a pair of swimming goggles!!!!!!:D

[SheepyJames]

Now that IS a good idea, Serenity - as long as I don't get steamed up!!!!!!!

[jazzactivist]

Hi Sheepy, I use this method which helps to prevent tears. Cut off both ends of the onion, and then slice through the skin and outermost layer of onion on one side and pull off the whole layer and discard. Then chop onion in half and put the cut sides down on the surface while you chop them. Apparently most of the onion zest is between the skin and outermost layer of onion, and on the cut sides. By reducing these you reduce the tears. It works for me. Good luck.

[Oola]

That's exactly what I do jazzactivist. I'd heard though that cutting the (root) end off the onion releases the agent that produces the chemicals/smell that starts the tears. I always take off the outer layer of onion skin though, because it's usually a bit tougher and goes leathery in the pan anyway. Didn't realise that it could reduce the potency of the onion though.

[mrsj]

Keep those onions away from me! I've still got my "aversion" (to put it mildly) you know!