Why do we cry when peeling an onion?
By pretty_angel
@pretty_angel (908)
Philippines
8 responses
@repzkoopz (1895)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
i'm not sure about the scientific explanation of why we tend to become teary-eyed, but i sure would hate peeling dozens of onions. specially when there are special occasions requiring a lot of cooking.
but i've read somewhere a few years ago that if you put a small piece of bread at the tip of the knife, it would lessen the effect of the onion. and somehow, it works. c',)
1 person likes this
@repzkoopz (1895)
• Philippines
7 Apr 07
i'm not really sure how. maybe because the sulfuric content, as described by luvreen above, is absorbed by the piece of bread. c",)
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
Really? It works? How come? What does the putting of a bread at the tip of the knife implies? I just don't get it. But since you said it works, i'll try to do it.
1 person likes this
@phonevolts (919)
• Ireland
6 Apr 07
I hate peeling onions because the sting the eyes off me. I read somewhere that if you soak your onion in water for about 1 hour before you peel them, it takes out whatever it is that makes your eyes stings.
1 person likes this
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
Really? Is that so. Thanks for the info. I'll do what you said. I also hate peeling onions. Actually i hate peeling anything especially potatoes and carrots because of their shape. Anyway, i think your right, onions sting the eyes.
1 person likes this
@phonevolts (919)
• Ireland
6 Apr 07
I hate doing any cooking, my boyfriend prefers to do it, so i let him. LOL
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
That's a chemical explanation. I got interested in what you have said because i'm a major in chemistry. I'll try to search on that. Thanks for the information.
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
I see. Thanks for the response and for the info. It's a big help. Now i know that onions should be kept in the refrigerator. I'll tell my mom. hehe
1 person likes this
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
7 Apr 07
I'm glad that I'll be able to share some of my knowledge about this. It's because when you peel an onion, you will also break up some enzymes. This enzymes will release some substances, specifically, sulfenic acid and amino acid sulfoxide. These substances will travel anywhere and when it gets close to our eyes, basically, our eyes will react very fast to these substances that it will release tears so that these substances will not hurt our eyes so much. We must be thankful because our eyes are smart! Hehe.
Anyways, hope that helps.
- Ron Reyes
www.ronreyes.co.nr
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
7 Apr 07
Thanks for that scientific explanation. How did you know about this? You read it from a book?
@raki_454 (35)
• India
7 Apr 07
hey there is a scientific reason that when we peel that onion
it hasa some sulphuric content which irritates our eyes so our eyes will have burning sensation and so we get tears in our eyes .
by keeping them in the chilled water or in freezer we can avoid the tears
@pretty_angel (908)
• Philippines
7 Apr 07
Really? Well it's great if you can name the chemical name of that sulfuric substance. It's interesting. I might have it as my thesis this coming school year. lol
@amar_sandy1987 (1876)
• India
6 Apr 07
their a sientific reason but i cat tell u it in detail bcozi dont know that much but i can tell u tha we actually dont cry the smell of that onin it troubles our eyes and water comes in our eyes
@kerry1804 (214)
• India
7 Apr 07
i never heard of that story.. but if you don't want to cry while peeling onion then just rinse the onion in water first then peel.. 99 % you won't get tear.
