Why Do Tears Come in the Eyes When Cutting Onions?
When you cut an onion, it releases a gas, which then undergoes a reaction with an enzyme. As a result, sulfur is released.
This reaches your eyes, causing slight acidity. Your nervous system senses this and sends a danger signal to the brain.
The brain advises the eyes to close. While you are cutting onions and cannot see due to closed eyes, another part of the brain ignores this advice.
Now, a moving weapon is needed to deal with the danger. The brain activates the tear glands to wash away the risk.
Proven methods to minimize tears:
- Before cutting the onion, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Compounds that cause irritation are reduced by the cold temperature.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife releases fewer irritants because it causes less damage to the onion cells, resulting in less gas being released and less water coming out.
- To remove irritants from the onion, chop it under running water.
- Work near a stove fan or open windows to disperse the onion's fumes.
- Use Specialized goggles to protect your eyes from onion fumes.
- Master techniques like quick chopping or slicing to minimize exposure to fumes.
- Similarly, red onions have less of this gas, and less water comes out from the eyes when cutting them.
Try any of the above combinations to find the one that works best for you!
FOR STUDENTS:
1. Why do onions make us cry?
Ans: Onions contain a volatile compound called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When we cut an onion, it releases this compound into the air. When it comes into contact with the moisture in our eyes, it forms sulfuric acid, leading to irritation and tears.
2. Can you avoid tearing up while cutting onions?
Ans: Yes, several methods can help reduce tears. Chilling the onion in the fridge before cutting, using a sharp knife to minimize cell damage, cutting near a flame to burn off the irritants, or wearing goggles to shield your eyes are all effective strategies.
3. Are all types of onions equally tear-inducing?
Ans: No, different types of onions vary due to varying levels of the irritant compound. Sweet onions have fewer irritants.
4. Can you prevent the tears with proper technique?
Ans: While techniques like putting onions for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, cutting near water or using a fan to disperse can help, tears are often difficult to entirely prevent. Understanding the science behind it can aid in minimizing the effects.
5. Is there a benefit to the onion's tear-inducing compound?
Ans: The compound responsible for making us cry in onions also contributes to their distinct flavor and aroma when cooked. While it can be bothersome, it's an integral part of what makes onions a versatile and flavorful ingredient.
