Why do Onions Make us Cry?

Onion is quite Tearful when we consider the Current Price of it in the Market and its impact on our Pocket. Not only they are making us cry Moneywise but they also make us cry in the Kitchen. While there is no immediate solution to the former, there are many for the later. Lets find out.

Onions are a daily part of our Kitchen Life. And they are the most interesting too. Dare you slice them and you are sure to get your due. They hit back at you with their Acids and ensure that for few minutes, you are full of Tears. They are the only Things who can make us cry without Emotions!!! Have you ever felt, why? Well…. Here is the Answer.

When Onions are sliced, their Cells get broken which allows Enzymes called ‘Allinase’ to break down into Amino Acid Sulphoxides and generate Sulphenic Acids. These Acids are unstable and rearrange themselves into a Volatile Gas called ‘Syn-propanethial-S-oxide’. This Gas diffuses through the Air and eventually reaches the Eye, where it reacts with the Water in the Eye to form a diluted Solution ‘Sulphuric Acid’.

Sulphuric Acid irritates the Nerve endings in the Eye, which makes them sting. As a Natural process, our Tear Glands produce more Tears to dilute and flush out the irritant. The Eyes start blinking automatically. Here, it’s a Natural urge to rub the Eye, but it only makes the matters worse.

Some Scientists also claim that its not the Enzyme ‘Allinase’ but it is the Lachrymatory-factor (Lachrymatory – relating to, causing, or containing tears) ‘Synthase’ which is released into the Air when we cut an Onion. This ‘Synthase’ then converts the Sulfoxides (Amino Acids) of the Onion into Sulphenic Acid. The rest of the process is the same.

It only takes about 30 Seconds to start crying after making the first cut.

However, the other Member of the Family ‘Green Onions’ have very less ‘Synthase’ content, and hence they don’t make us cry.

Solutions:

There are numerous ways not to get Tears in the Eyes while chopping Onions. The irony is we are not aware of them. Below is the List:

a) Chew a Piece of Bubble Gum while slicing Onions.

b) Place the Onion in the Freezer for 10 Minutes before cutting it.

c) Soak the Onion in Water before slicing/Cut the Onion in Water.

d) You can Soak the Onion in Salt Water too. The Ionic Solution denatures the Enzyme.

e) Cut the Onion near a running Water or a Cloud of Steam.

f) Whistle while Working. The Air, while doing so, will prevent Fumes to come near Eyes.

g) Use a Sharp Knife that cuts it cleanly. Unclean cutting releases more Fumes.

h) Remove the Onions’ root in the last. This Portion has the highest Concentration of Sulphides.

i) Put a Portion of Bread crust protruding from your Mouth. This absorbs most of the Fumes.

j) Cut the Onions in a well-ventilated Room.

k) Place a burning Candle next to your cutting Board. The Heat will attract the Onion Fumes.

l) While chopping, Breathe through your Mouth instead of Nose.

m) Cover your Eyes properly with Goggles or Wear contact Lenses.

n) Put Vinegar in a chopping Board.

o) Try to cut Fast but safely.

p) Best Tip: Use a Food Processor.

The above are some Tips to follow while chopping Onions. Though it is not practical to remember all of them, we can still remember ones like slicing them in Water or freezing them or breathing through Mouth etc.

Practice some of them and see the Result. Next Time you are in Kitchen braving yourself to cut an Onion, you will Thank me. 

Regards,

Pragya Banerjee
MBA (Finance); 7+ years of work experience
email: pragyasonal@gmail.com
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