Why Do We Cry While Chopping Onions? What Should We Do To Avoid Crying? There are many factors that cause our eyes to water while chopping onions. Here are some tips that may help you reduce crying while chopping onions:
- Sulfur Compounds and Initial Reaction: When onion cells are cut, sulfur compounds within them are released. These sulfur compounds undergo a series of chemical reactions to produce sulfur dioxide gas. This gas directly contacts our eyes.
- Eye Reflexes: Sulfur dioxide gas irritates the surface of the eyes. This irritation triggers the tear glands, which produce a liquid substance called tears. Tears are produced to cleanse and protect the surface of the eyes.
- Content and Effects of Tears: Tears do not consist solely of water; they also contain protective substances such as antiseptics and oils. This is designed to protect the eye and reduce irritation. Tears produced while chopping onions contain an increased amount of these substances.
- Eyelids and Surfactants in the Eye: Tears combine with a special substance called surfactant between the eyelids. Surfactant helps the even distribution of tears on the eye’s surface and aids in better eye protection.
- Shedding Tears Outward: Tears, which cleanse and protect the eye surface, flow outward towards the outer part of the eye. Therefore, when chopping onions, your eyes tear up, and these tears often flow down to the cheeks.
These Methods Are Used to Prevent Crying:
Cooling or Freezing the Onion: Keeping the onion in the refrigerator or freezer for a while before chopping it can reduce the amount of volatile gases contained in the onion.
Chopping Under Water: Chopping the onion under water before chopping can protect your eyes by preventing the spread of gases. Chopping onions with this method can reduce the tear reflex.
Cutting Technique: Chopping the onion, leaving the root part at the end, can reduce the tear reflex. Sulfur compounds are less in the root part of the onion, so chopping this part last may release less gas.
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Wearing a Mask: Wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose can reduce the entry of gases into the respiratory tract when chopping onions. This can protect the eyes and reduce tearing.
Fan or Air Flow: Using a fan or opening a window in the room while chopping onions can help disperse the resulting gases. This can reduce direct contact of gases to your eyes.
Using a Pointed Blade: Smoothly cut surfaces may result in less cell cleavage. Using a pointed blade may cause less irritation.
This process is, in fact, a natural defense mechanism of the eye.
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