Why is it that onions make you cry?

Question

Why is it that when you cut onions, you cry?

Do you cry when you cut onions?

What tips do you have to make you stop crying?

Answer 1

There is acid in the onion juice that is released in the form of vapors when you slice them.

I've heard a lot of things, but the thing that helps me the most is to cut the onion at arm's length (don't stand directly over it...vapors rise), and don't breathe through your nose.

Also red onions are less likely to be problematic than yellow.  And if you keep the root bundle on, it sometimes helps while chopping.

Answer 2

chill onion before cutting

put in freezer for 1/2 hour or keep then is fridge

also breather thru mouth only not your nose

Answer 3

Go to Food Network's website.  They did an episode on the new show "Food Detectives" about that the other day.  The fumes from the onions create a type of sulphuric acid that causes your eyes to water; and it attaches to the closest source of water (usually your eyes).  They found that refrigerating the onions first helped the very most.  I always refrigerate my onions, and my eyes don't water when I cut them:)  Also, I cut them on a board right next to the sink, and run the water - so the fumes are closer to the running water than my eyes:)

Answer 4

Oddly enough, the volatile compound that makes you cry is also responsible for the great taste in onions.

When you slice through an onion, you break open a number of onion cells. Some of these cells have enzymes inside of them, and when they are sliced open, the enzymes escape. The enzymes then decompose some of the other substances that have escaped from sliced cells. Some of these substances, amino acid sulfoxides, form sulfenic acids, which then quickly rearrange themselves into a volatile gas.

The gas reaches your eyes and reacts with the water that keeps them moist. This changes the chemical's form again, producing, among other things, a mild sulfuric acid, which irritates the eyes. The nerve endings in your eyes are very sensitive and so they pick up on this irritation (this is why our eyes sting when we slice onions). The brain reacts by telling your tear ducts to produce more water, to dilute the irritating acid so the eyes are protected. Your other reaction is probably to rub your eyes, but this will actually make the irritation a lot worse, of course, if you have onion juices all over your hands.

Chopping onions always make me cry. But I have learnt that:

There are all kinds of remedies for dealing with this irritating phenomenon, some more effective than others. As a general rule, move your head as far away from the onion as you can, so the gas will mostly disperse before it reaches your eyes. If you really can't stand the tears, the simplest solution might be to wear goggles. This measure is very effective, but it may seem a bit extreme to those around you, and if your kitchen is steamy, you might not be able to see what you're doing (never a good idea when you're using a knife).

Peeling the onion and then chilling it in the refrigerator before you slice it will minimize the release of gas somewhat, because the change in temperature alters the compounds in the onion. Cooking an onion before you slice it will work also, for the same reason. Another easy solution is to cut the onion under water or run the tap over it as you slice.

Some people say if you hold a lemon, piece of bread or a sugar cube in your mouth, the food will absorb the gas before it reaches your eyes. Breathing with your mouth, instead of your nose, might also help because as you inhale, you suck the gas in and as you exhale, you blow it away. This keeps a lot of the gas from ever reaching your eyes.

Thank you for asking this question as I just found out some helpful tips!!!

Answer 5

because it is oduor irritates the eye

Answer 6

I've used all the tricks, but my friend recently gave me the best.  Light a candle close to where you will be slicing the onions (5- 10 minutes before.)  Continue to let candle burn. Then take 3 unused matches, sulfur tips out, pressed between your closed lips and cut your onions. I find this really helps while slicing those delicious devils!