For some people, slicing a uncooked Onion is not any massive deal, but for others, it reasons a stinging response that outcomes in tears and slight discomfort.

What’s to blame for this teary reaction? Enzymes inside the onion that launch a smelly gas while you slice into it, and whilst the gas comes into contact together with your eyes, it bureaucracy sulfuric acid, which is chargeable for that telltale stinging sensation. “the extra stinky the onion is, the much more likely it’s going to make you tear up,” says irwin goldman, phd, department chair and professor of horticulture on the college of wisconsin-madison.

That means that yellow Onions famous in cooking are the largest culprits, and candy, moderate vidalia onions are the least likely to cause tears. Luckily, onions are the handiest form of vegetable that purpose this crying response, due to their specific sulfur compounds.

So why do onions make you well up, however do not appear to make your associate weepy at all? Dr. Goldman says it’s in all likelihood because of the person chemistry of your eyes: a few humans have very little response to sulfuric acid, while others have a more potent sensitivity. And while some humans find that wearing touch lenses reduces their onion-associated tears, others may additionally discover it makes no distinction.

Dry up the ones onion tears

To limit onion-prompted weepiness, goldman recommends freezing or chilling onions before cutting them up. The cold temperature causes a slower launch of the enzymes, which allows lessen your response. “you could also begin cutting an onion from the top cease — where the pores and skin comes together — instead of from the bottom quit, wherein the stem is,” he provides. Enzymes are greater conentrated within the bottom of the onion.

If onions cause you to tear up excessively, take into account carrying eye safety while you slice them. “swimming goggles sincerely do work,” says goldman. Or just delegate the chore to some other prepare dinner inside the kitchen.