Dry Up Those Onion Tears

[Ahmed Anas Chowdhury]

To minimize onion-triggered weepiness, Goldman recommends freezing or chilling onions before cutting them up. The cold temperature causes a slower release of the enzymes, which helps reduce your reaction. "You can also start chopping an onion from the top end — where the skin comes together — instead of from the bottom end, where the stem is," he adds. Enzymes are more conentrated in the bottom of the onion.

If onions cause you to tear up excessively, consider wearing eye protection when you slice them. "Swimming goggles really do work," says Goldman. Or just delegate the chore to another cook in the kitchen.