Why Do Onions Make Us Cry? Simple Explanation
Have you ever wondered why your eyes start watering the moment you cut an onion? It’s not sadness. It’s science.
When you slice an onion, you break its cells. This releases an enzyme that reacts with the onion’s natural sulfur. Together, they create a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide.
When this gas reaches your eyes, it mixes with your natural tears and forms a mild acid. Your eyes try to protect themselves and quickly produce more tears to wash the irritant away. That’s why you start crying.
How to Stop Crying While Cutting Onions
• Refrigerate the onion for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting
• Use a sharp knife to reduce cell damage
• Cut near a fan or running water to push the gas away
• Leave the root end for last because it releases the strongest gas

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