How to Peel an Onion

To properly peel an onion, follow these simple instructions. Begin by cutting the onion vertically, starting from the root and moving towards the stem. By cutting from the bottom, the layers of the onion will remain intact and prevent them from falling apart. Carefully remove the top part of the onion. Once this is done, the layers of the onion will naturally start to separate from the halved sections. You can then use a knife or your index finger to peel off the layers of the onion.

Safer Way to Cut an Onion

One of the easiest ways to chop an onion is to hold it in your palm and point your knife at the root. Holding the onion this way, you can slice it vertically as close to the root as possible, releasing less gas and making it easier to chew raw. This technique also allows you to leave the onion’s root intact, which is very helpful if you plan to slice it in the future. However, it’s important to remember that this technique is not as fast as cutting an onion vertically.

The onion should be cut as evenly as possible so it cooks evenly. Not only does this look nicer, but it also provides a better mouth feel when you bite into the onion. Once you learn the safest way to cut an onion, it’s easier to avoid injury when cutting your food. And, you’ll enjoy your meal a lot more! Keep reading for more helpful tips for cutting an onion correctly.

Using a Chef’s Knife

If you’re unsure how to slice an onion properly, a chef’s knife will make the job easier. The large blade is perfect for this task, giving you the leverage to make clean cuts. Use a sharp knife instead of one dull or damaged, as it will not require as much force to produce neat slices. A chef-approved knife skill is tucking your fingers beneath the onion while cutting, stabilizing it and keeping it from sliding all over the counter.

The chef’s blade is the most versatile tool for cutting round vegetables, so you should have a chef knife on hand. The same goes for other knives, such as utility knives and nakiri. But don’t use a steak knife or a pairing knife when cutting an onion. The blade of a chef’s knife is much more flexible and will be easier to grasp.

Using a Pointer Finger

You can peel an onion with your pointer finger if you know how to hold it properly. Just hold it under the onion at its base and gently rock it as you peel. Make sure you don’t cut your finger or knuckles as you peel! Once the onion’s skin is peeled off, you can prepare it for cooking or eating. The following instructions are provided as a guide for beginners.

First, slice through the onion horizontally. Next, cut vertically across the onion. You can also use a claw grip on your fingers and apply pressure from above. After cutting through the onion, flip the sections upside down. The flat part should be facing you. Repeat the process with the remaining half of the onion. Then, slice each piece into smaller slices. Then, use your other fingers to slice through the onion’s skin.

Using a Cutting Board

Before using a cutting board to peel an onion, you must first cut it in half. Then, cut it down the middle, and then remove the skin and outermost layer. Next, place the onion cut-side down on the board. Slice it against the grain, taking care not to cut through the root end. It is important to cut the onion skin as thin as possible. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to make rings and slices.

To make the peeling process easier, you should soak the onion in water before beginning. This will help the onion draw out the tears-inducing chemical. It also makes the onion milder. After that, slice the onion crosswise into thin, horizontal slices. Afterwards, rinse the onion well to remove any remaining water. Do the same with the cut-end. If you don’t want to waste a cutting board, use a container for the onion.

Getting the Onion Smell Off Your Hands

You can use a salt and soap scrub to get rid of the onion odor on your hands. You can use any liquid soap to scrub your hands, such as dish soap, hand soap, or laundry detergent. Then, rinse your hands with cold water. You can also use mouthwash or toothpaste if these methods don’t work. This will remove the sulfuric compounds that give onions their smell.

Another way to eliminate the smell on your hands after peeling onions is to use vinegar. Vinegar can be applied directly to your hands and applied vigorously. Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular choice for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use mouthwash to get rid of the onion smell. These are proven methods to eliminate the onion odor on your hands.