Citrus juice contains an acid that reacts with substances released when cutting onions and can minimize eye tearing.
Handy use of lemon also saves sick and neglected plants
The sharp aroma and tear-inducing properties of onions are known to anyone who has encountered this versatile vegetable in the kitchen. However, with a simple kitchen remedy like lemon juice, the age-old battle with tear-inducing onions can be significantly alleviated.
Lemon: a remedy against tears Rubbing the blade of the knife with lemon juice before cutting onions changes the rules of the game. This simple trick serves as protection against onion-induced eye tearing. When the knife is coated with lemon juice, the irritating substances in onions are neutralized, reducing or at least eliminating eye irritation caused by the vapors of this vegetable.
Dealing with unpleasant odors Lemon juice not only acts as a barrier against tears but also fights against lingering odors that stick to hands after handling onions or garlic. Rubbing hands with lemon juice and then rinsing them with water disperses the unpleasant odor and leaves no trace behind. “However, avoid using lemon juice on cuts, bruises, or open wounds, as citric acid can cause discomfort or burning,” reminds reader Miroslava P. from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem.
Handy use of lemon also saves sick and neglected plants Coating the knife with lemon juice when cutting onions can help reduce eye irritation and minimize tearing The candle method also helps A lit candle near the onion-cutting area can help absorb unwanted onion vapors. The flame acts like a magnet, attracting irritating substances and minimizing their dispersion in the air, as reported by the iReceptář website.
Safety and efficiency in cutting When manually cutting onions, especially the quick cutting and cooling technique brings relief. Unravel or quarter the onion and make quick cuts with a sharp knife, holding the onion pieces close together to minimize vapors released into the air. According to the well-known TOPrecepty website, kitchen tools such as electric food processors or choppers can also help. But be careful – from personal experience, I recommend chopping briefly, as otherwise, the onion may break down too much and become bitter.
How to sharpen dull kitchen knives without a sharpener, they will be as sharp as a machete More onion cutting tricks But you can also choose from other interesting techniques. The more you try, the greater the chance you’ll find the one that suits you.
Cutting underwater: Try soaking the cutting board, knife, and onion in water before cutting. Volatile substances dissolve in water and won’t irritate your eyes. Protect your eyes: Use swim goggles or cover your eyes before cutting onions. This can effectively prevent tearing. Breathe through your mouth: Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose also helps minimize irritation of the mucous membranes from onion vapors. Store chopped onions in a covered container: This helps minimize gas and tearing. Effects of lemon in the household Rubbing the knife blade with lemon juice before cutting onions changes the rules of the game Cottage-Gardeners also advised on how to use onions to clean rusty sheets or how to store them correctly to make them last as long as possible.