How to Remove the Strong Sharp Taste or Smell from Onions

Onions are frequently used in salads or dishes that involves using the onions fresh and uncooked. The sharp smell or taste of uncooked onions, often leaves one feeling uncomfortable. Most children will not eat any dish or salad that has uncooked or raw onions. Here is an easy way to make raw onion tastier and less pungent, before using it to prepare any dish.

Steps

1
Slice or cut raw onions as desired, for any dish or salad you are planning to prepare. This can be chopped fine, sliced in rings or lengthwise, depending on what you wish to prepare.^{[1]
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2
Place sliced onions into a bowl of fresh water. Ensure that the entire contents of the bowl is immersed in water.

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3
Add 2 tablespoons of fine salt and mix well. If fine salt is not available, the rough type will do just fine.^{[2]
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4
Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
5
Drain salted water from onions.^{[3]
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6
Rinse again with fresh unsalted water and drain for the second time.
7
Add the onions to your salad or other dish as required. The onions are now ready for use if using them raw and uncooked. The salted water weakens the strength of the sulfur present in onions that gives it a strong sharp taste.
8
If you don't want to soak the onions, cook the onions before using them.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

Are there types of onions that are "less fragrant"?

Community Answer

Yes, any of the variety of "sweet onions" are less pungent and bitter.
Question

I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and should avoid onions because they are acidic. How do I remove the acidity from the onions?

Community Answer

Try peeling the onions needed and submerge them in cold water for 10 minutes. When done with the rinse, use the onions as you would use them for the recipe.
Question

Are Vidalia onions strong in flavor/scent?

Community Answer

Yes, they do have a strong scent and flavor but they are not as harsh or bitter tasting as yellow onions are.