Onion is used in our kitchen every day, from vegetables, salads, parathas to chutney, but have you ever wondered why our eyes start watering as soon as we start cutting it?
Yes, this is one such task that makes us cry every time. As soon as the knife moves on the onion, our eyes start burning and tears start flowing. It seems as if the onion is fighting a war with our eyes. Let us tell you, there is an interesting and surprising scientific reason hidden behind this. Let us know what that reason is (Why Onions Make You Cry), which makes us cry every time.
What is hidden inside the onion?
There are very fine cells inside the layers of the onion, in which sulfur compounds and enzymes are present. Usually, both of these remain separate, but as soon as the knife cuts the cells of the onion, they mix. This chemical reaction produces a strong gas, which is called lachrymatory factor. This gas causes stinging in the eyes.
Why do tears flow from the eyes?
Our eyes are extremely sensitive and react immediately to protect themselves from any kind of harmful chemical or gas. When the gas emitted by an onion comes in contact with the eyes, the eyes consider it a dangerous substance. To avoid this danger, the lacrimal glands of the eyes immediately start releasing tears. The job of tears is to wash out this gas, so that the eyes can remain safe.
Defense mechanism of the onion
Scientists believe that this is a natural defense mechanism of the onion. Nature has given the onion the ability to make such a chemical, so that no insect or animal can harm it. The gas causing stinging in the eyes keeps humans as well as animals away.
Easy ways to avoid tears
Cool the onion: Keep the onion in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Cold onion releases less amount of gas.
Use a sharp knife: This will break the onion cells less and produce less gas.
Cut near water: While cutting onions, keep a vessel filled with water nearby or dip the onion in water before cutting, so that the gas dissolves in the water.
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