Do onions make you cry?
🥲 Why do onions make you cry?
Cutting them breaks open cells, releasing enzymes that react with sulfur compounds to form a gas. When that hits your eyes, it turns into a mild sulfuric acid, and that’s what makes you tear up.
✅ Use a sharp knife (fewer crushed cells = less gas)
✅ Chill onions 30 min (slows the reaction)
✅ Try a fan or rinse under water (moves or washes away the gas)
✅ Goggles keep fumes out completely
✅ Or chop fast in a food chopper to trap it all inside (by the way it’s on sale this week!)
What’s your go-to trick… or do you just let the tears flow? 👀 #keepitsimpleinthekitchenwithkim #onions #chopper #foodchopper #tears
Onions are notorious for making us cry during food preparation due to the release of a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas forms when the onion’s cells are damaged, resulting in a lachrymatory factor that irritates our eyes. To minimize this effect, consider these practical tips: 1. **Use a sharp knife:** A sharp blade will cut fewer cells, reducing the amount of gas released. 2. **Chill the onions:** Refrigeration slows the reaction and diminishes gas production, making for a more pleasant chopping experience. 3. **Utilize a fan or turn on the kitchen vent:** Airflow can help disperse the gas away from your eyes, providing immediate relief. 4. **Wear goggles:** Protects your eyes from the irritating fumes completely. 5. **Use a food chopper:** Food choppers can contain the gas and prevent it from reaching your eyes while ensuring quick and effective chopping. In addition to these tricks, chopping onions under running water can help wash away the gas and reduce irritation. It's essential to use these methods, especially during lengthy cooking sessions involving onions, as the cumulative effect of the irritants can lead to even more discomfort. With these strategies, you can enjoy cooking without the tears!