Stop crying when chopping onions using paper ‘magnet’ trick From a Doctor

Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine specialist, has disclosed a technique for slicing onions without using any tissue. He clarified that as onions are chopped, sulphur compounds are released, which react with enzymes and cause tears to well up in the eyes. Propanethial S-oxide, which onions naturally produce to protect themselves from animal consumption, is the chemical offender. The enzyme required to generate the volatile chemical is more abundant in red, yellow, and white onions. Whittington suggests putting a damp paper towel next to the onion to avoid waterworks.

Dr. Joe Whittington recommends placing a wet paper towel near the onion to act as a “magnet” to absorb the propanethial S-oxide as you slice.

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According to a Whittington study, you can use a paper towel below an onion to stop it from tearing while you slice it. Sulphur compounds are drawn to the moisture, which lessens tears and avoids discomfort. If the paper towel is brought too close, though, it can be ineffective. Additional recommendations include using a sharp knife, freezing the onion, preserving the root, and donning safety glasses. Naturally developed "tearless" onions called sunions might also be useful.