Onions that don’t make you cry are varieties specifically bred to be mild and low in sulfur compounds, which are the chemicals responsible for eye irritation and tearing. When typical onions are cut, they release a gas called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide that reacts with the eyes, causing the stinging sensation. Mild onions produce less of this compound, making them easier to handle in the kitchen.
Sweet onions are the most common type of tear-free onions. Varieties like Vidalia, Walla Walla, and Maui onions are known for their low sulfur content and high sugar levels, giving them a mild, sweet flavor. These onions are ideal for salads, sandwiches, and raw dishes where pungency is undesirable.
Some modern hybrid onions have been selectively bred to reduce tear-inducing chemicals without sacrificing flavor. These onions can be cooked, grilled, or eaten raw with minimal irritation, making food preparation more pleasant. Mild onions are also often less pungent in taste, appealing to those sensitive to strong onion flavors.
Proper handling can also help reduce tearing. Chilling onions before cutting slows down the release of sulfur compounds, and cutting near a running fan or vent can help blow the irritating gas away from your eyes. However, choosing a mild or sweet variety is the easiest way to avoid tears altogether.
Onions that Don’t Make You Cry
Sweet Onion
Sweet onions are known for their mild flavor and low sulfur content, which greatly reduces eye irritation. They contain more natural sugars than regular onions, making them less pungent. These onions are ideal for salads, sandwiches, and fresh dishes. Popular varieties are specially grown to be gentle when chopped.
Vidalia Onion
Vidalia onions are famous for their sweetness and mild aroma. Grown in low-sulfur soil, they produce fewer irritating gases when sliced. They are excellent for raw eating, caramelizing, or grilling. Their delicate flavor makes them one of the least tear-causing onions available.
Walla Walla Onion
Walla Walla sweet onions are juicy and very mild. Their high water content dilutes the compounds responsible for tears. These onions are popular for fresh eating and onion rings. They are easy to cut without strong eye irritation.
Maui Onion
Maui onions grow in volcanic soil that produces a naturally sweet, low-pungency bulb. They release fewer sulfur vapors compared to standard onions. Their mild taste works well in salads and grilled dishes. Many people notice little to no tearing when chopping them.
Red Onion
Red onions tend to be milder than many yellow onions, especially when fresh. They contain slightly lower levels of tear-producing compounds. Their crisp texture and colorful layers make them perfect for salads and salsas. Chilling them before cutting can further reduce irritation.
Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions are harvested before the bulb fully develops, which means fewer sulfur compounds form. They have a gentle flavor and rarely cause tears. Both the white and green parts are edible. They are commonly used fresh in garnishes, stir-fries, and soups.
Shallots
Shallots have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and produce less of the irritating gas released by stronger onions. Their smaller size and lower pungency make them comfortable to slice. They are widely used in sauces and gourmet cooking. Shallots are a great choice for tear-free preparation.
Cipollini Onion
Cipollini onions are small, flat onions with a naturally sweet taste. Their mild chemical composition causes less eye irritation when cut. They caramelize beautifully and are often roasted whole. These onions are easy to prepare without the strong burning sensation typical of sharper varieties.
Texas Sweet Onion
Texas Sweet onions are known for their mild flavor and reduced sulfur levels, which means they release fewer tear-causing gases. They are juicy and slightly sugary, making them ideal for salads and sandwiches. These onions grow well in warm climates and are easy to slice without strong eye irritation. Their gentle taste makes them popular for raw dishes.
Bermuda Onion
Bermuda onions are large, flat onions with a very mild and sweet flavor. They contain less pungency compared to standard storage onions, so cutting them rarely causes tears. They are commonly used fresh in salads and burgers. Their soft texture and low sharpness make them comfortable to prepare.
White Sweet Onion
White sweet onions are less pungent than regular white onions due to lower sulfur content. They produce fewer irritating vapors when chopped. These onions have a clean, mild taste suitable for salsas and fresh recipes. Proper storage keeps their flavor gentle and tear-free.
Pearl Onion
Pearl onions are small, round onions with a mild flavor that causes minimal eye irritation. Because of their size, they release fewer tear-producing compounds when peeled. They are often used whole in stews, pickling, or roasting. Their sweetness increases when cooked slowly.
Spring Onion
Spring onions are harvested early before strong sulfur compounds fully develop. This makes them milder and less likely to cause tears. They have a slightly stronger taste than green onions but remain gentle when cut. Spring onions are widely used in salads, stir-fries, and garnishes.
Flat Italian Onion (Tropea Onion)
Tropea onions are sweet red onions known for their low pungency and soft flavor. They contain fewer tear-inducing chemicals than stronger onion varieties. These onions are often eaten raw or lightly cooked. Their natural sweetness makes slicing them more comfortable for sensitive eyes.
Cebolleta (Spanish Sweet Onion)
Cebolleta onions are mild Spanish onions similar to scallions but slightly more developed. They have a fresh, delicate taste and produce very little eye irritation. Both the green stalk and small bulb are edible. They are commonly used in Mediterranean cooking and fresh dishes.
Granex Onion
Granex onions are hybrid sweet onions bred specifically for low pungency. They contain reduced sulfur compounds, which helps prevent tearing while cutting. Their flavor is sweet and mild, perfect for raw consumption. Many well-known sweet onion varieties belong to this group, making them a reliable tear-free choice.