How to … cut an onion without crying

No more tears! These tips will help you chop, dice and slice without the waterworks.

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* CHILL OUT Put onions in the freezer 10 minutes before peeling and slicing. The cold minimizes volatile sulfur oils (the buggers responsible for activating your tear ducts).

* THINK SHARP Slice and chop with the sharpest knife in your block. Dull blades crush the onion cells instead of cutting them, releasing more acidic chemicals into the air.

* OPEN WIDE Breathe through your mouth-inhaling through your nose lets more fumes get into your sinuses.

* AVOID THE ROOTS Most sulfuric compounds live in the root of an onion, so avoid releasing them into the air too soon by cutting the root off last thing.

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