Help with the onions?

Question

why when you cut onions our eyes become watery??

all answers appreciated

Answer 1

When you cut the onion, you cut through it's cells. These contain a mild acid, which gets sprayed into the air and, if it gets into your eyes, makes them water to dilute it.

There are a million and one ways to try and stop this, but the simplest is to chop the onion as quickly (yet safely) as possible and keep the cut surfaces covered as much as possible.

Try this method, which all junior chefs (they're the ones who get lumbered with prepping the onions) learn ...

HOW TO CHOP AN ONION QUICKLY, SO IT DOESN’T MAKE YOU CRY

Peel it. Cut off and discard the top end. Cut it in half from top to bottom. Place the halves cut face down. Hold it by the bottom end. Make one horizontal cut halfway across through it, but only as far as the bottom end you are holding. Make parallel vertical cuts down through it, from one side to the other, but only as far as the bottom end you are holding. Then make parallel vertical cuts across through it, from top to bottom, but only as far as the bottom end you are holding. Discard the bottom end. Repeat for the other half, if required.

Answer 2

Breathe through your mouth and don't get your face over the top of the onion whilst you cut it.  This works for me and my eyes don't water most of the time!

Answer 3

onions got a chemicl(not harmful) tht can create this effect.....always keep burning candle whn u r cutting it....or keep chewing something........

Answer 4

Because their molecules travel through the air when you cut and goes into your eyes and irritate them?

From what i know, just cut them while submerge in water and it'll be fine.

=)