Handle dirty onions by peeling to a clean layer (use a small “dirty” board if needed)
Since onions aren’t easily washable, trim ends and peel off outer layers until clean, optionally using a separate small board for the dirty parts.
The video notes onions are difficult to wash. If onions are very dirty, use a smaller cutting board to trim the root/stem ends and remove outer layers until you reach a cleaner layer, then continue cutting on your main board (or keep using the separate board).
The short version
- Onions aren’t really washable in the usual way
- Peel to a clean layer to reduce dirt transfer
What you need
- cutting board (small/secondary)optionalFor dirty trimming
- cutting board (main)For clean prep
- knife
How to do it
- 1
If the onion is dirty, use a smaller/secondary cutting board for initial trimming.
This keeps dirt off your main board.
Watch this step - 2
Cut off the root end and stem end as needed, then peel off outer layers until you reach a cleaner layer.
Discard dirty outer layers.
Watch this step - 3
Finish cutting on your main cutting board, or continue on the secondary board if preferred.
Choose the option that best limits mess and contamination.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Putting a very dirty onion directly on your main cutting board and proceeding
Trim/peel on a secondary board first, then switch once clean
Why it works
Removing dirty outer layers reduces dirt transfer to your main cutting board and other foods.
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