Onions are a staple in many cuisines, but cutting them can be a tear-jerking experience. The pungent vapors released when an onion is cut irritate the eyes, causing them to water. While there is no foolproof way to avoid crying while cutting onions, there are a few techniques that can help to reduce the tears.
One of the most effective ways to avoid tears is to keep the onion cold. The cold temperature helps to slow down the release of the irritating vapors. You can chill the onion in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting it, or you can even freeze it for a few hours. If you are in a hurry, you can also run the onion under cold water for a few minutes before cutting it.