Sheldon wrote:
>
> "James Silverton" wrote:
> >
> > Popular Science of November 07 has a special emphasis on
> > cooking. As far as chopping onions is concerned, they came up
> > with a new idea to me. Apparently, refrigerating the onion 30
> > minutes before chopping cuts down the emission of irritants.
>
> Cooling onions to reduce eye irritant is a very old concept but
> doesn't really work very well... much better is to use a sharp knife
> and sufficient ventilation.

I've heard that burning a candle very close to the area while chopping
the onion helps, also. I haven't tried this method, but it does sort of
a make sense to me. The flame burns off the irritating chemical(s) that
effects the eyes. At least, that's what I've heard from two or three
difference sources, not that I recall the specifics. Of course, proper
precaution is required with any open flame.

Sky

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