Reasons for Discarding the Core of the Onion When Chopping?
A cook I know always discards the core of the onion when chopping it. Is there any reason for this? In professional demonstrations and cooking classes, I've never seen it done. From observation, it does seem to make chopping or mincing the way I've always been taught a bit easier, as the core can be awkwardly shaped, but other than that is there anything besides personal preference to it?
Best Answer
There is one reason I might do this. If the core is green, that is starting to form a sprout. I cut that out as it can be bitter. Otherwise I don't know why one would do that.
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Should you remove the core of an onion?
The root end has a tight root center, which if you don't remove, can help hold the onion together as you cut it. If the root end is clean, there's no need to cut off the roots. But if there is any residual dirt on the roots, you'll want to slice off the roots, while leaving the hard root core in place.Why do you leave the root on when dicing an onion?
**Note: Be sure to leave the root end on! It makes it easier to cut AND it's where the highest concentration of sulfer compounds reside (what makes you cry) so leaving it intact means less tears while chopping!Does the core of an onion make you cry?
It is called 1-propenesulfenic acid. Another enzyme in the onion called lachrymatory factor synthase converts this acid into syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This is the stuff that causes you to cry. This compound can easily spread out through the air and make contact with your eyes, to which it is an irritant.What happens when you cut the root off an onion when chopping it?
Ramsay says that it's important to leave the root on. It helps keep your onion together and makes it easier to cut. Your cuts will be more even in the end, which will help everything cook evenly. Ramsay also says cutting off the root releases more gases, and making the entire thing a tear-filled experience.More answers regarding reasons for Discarding the Core of the Onion When Chopping?
Answer 2
The core makes you cry much more than the rest of the onion, if you're prone to tears. There's actually already a question about onions and tears, with an answer explaining this.
Answer 3
I'm a chef and do the same but the only reason we do it is for presentation
Answer 4
I was watching an Italian cooking programme the other day and the chef took away the core and explained that it is the most acidic part of the onion. Whether this is true or not I do not know.
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