Why do we get tears when we cut onions?

Question

Why do we get tears when we cut onions?

Answer 1

When you chop an onion, you break open some of the onion's cells. This releases enzymes which act on one of the flavoring components of onions, allicin. Allicin is a compound containing sulphur. This volatile irritant "fumes" up from the onion and irritates your eyes. The stinging sensation is because of the sulphuric acid produced when allicin dissolves in the water of your eyes.

Answer 2

Its the gas that the onion releases that reach our eyes and start irritation. to prevent this Cut your onions Cold, Under Running Water, Submerged in water or avoiding to cut the root as that releases most of the gas

Answer 3

A. When an onion is cut, certain (lachrymator) compounds are released causing the nerves around the eyes (lacrimal glands) to become irritated.

    These compounds consist of methionine and cystine that are part of the amino acid family. (Protein is made up of several of these amino acids grouped together.)

    When an onion is sliced or diced, the onion's cells release these compounds into the air. When this occurs, "enzyme" works to alter the amino acids into lachrymator compounds. This form of sulfuric acid irritates the nerves around the eyes making them tear.

How can we prevent this reaction?

   1. Use a sharp knife to cut the onion to reduce the amount of damage to the onion cells.

   2. Cool the onion in a refrigerator to suppress the scattering of the lachrymator.

   3. Soak the onion in water to dissolve the amino acids. (Cutting the onions in half or quarters before soaking them is even more effective.)

   4. Wear swimming goggles or ski goggles while cutting the onion.

   5. Use a ventilator or fan to blow the allyl sulfide away.

Answer 4

Hi  =]

It its the gas that the onion releases that reach our eyes and start irritation. Onions produce the chemical irritant known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide. It stimulates the eyes' lachrymal glands so they release tears. Also, the irritation to your nose causes some of the tearing as well.

To prevent this Cut your onions Cold, Under Running Water, Submerged in water or avoiding to cut the root as that releases most of the gas. Or some people say to chew some mint gum to prevent those tears!

Hope this helps  =]