2006-12-11 01:26:53 · 15 answers · asked by vulcanfraguas 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
Because they tell me sad stories.
2006-12-11 01:28:41 · answer #1 · answered by Puma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not the strong odor of the onion that makes us cry, but the substances that the onion releases when we cut this member of the lily family.
The onion contains some substances which contain sulfur. Sulfur is an irritant to both our noses and to our eyes. Cutting an onion releases these sulfur compounds. When these sulfur compounds come in contact with the water in our eyes, they produces sulfuric acid.
Sulfuric acid irritates the eyes. In response to this acid, our eyes automatically blink, and produce tears which wash the eye and flush out the acid.
An automatic reaction many people show is to rub their eyes with their hands, which often
makes the situation worse, because our hands are covered with the sulfur compounds from cutting the onion, which we then rub directly into our eyes.
The only remedy for this problem is to boil the onion, not to slice it or cut it up, which is not very practical. Some people suggest putting the onion in the fridge or the freezer for a few minutes because the cold decreases the speed of the chemical reaction. Another tip is to slice the area around the root of the onion last. Why? Because there are more sulfur compounds in the onion root.
2006-12-11 01:35:24 · answer #2 · answered by Bird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh dear, what horrible grammar ! Might as well go whole hog:
cry why when you the onions cut?
you cries when the oinions cut why?
onions you cry the why cut?
Whatever happened to decent English?
2006-12-11 01:41:34 · answer #3 · answered by Kokopelli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting a crust of bread in your mouth (and not chewing it) whilst cutting said onions. It's meant to stop you crying. It also makes you look an idiot which should take your mind off the tears.
2006-12-11 03:36:42 · answer #4 · answered by clockwatcher 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An onion releases a chemical irritant that releases the tears. However, if you're lucky like me (as I've discovered) and wear contact lenses then it would appear that the lenses stop this chemical reaction from taking place and there are no tears!
2006-12-11 01:30:27 · answer #5 · answered by JACQUI S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut the onions under running cold water and you won't cry.
2006-12-11 02:16:31 · answer #6 · answered by Joe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Onions contain chemicals which are lachrimetry. And these substances make your eyes water. Just like the chemicals in 'tear gas'.
2006-12-11 01:32:10 · answer #7 · answered by seekayess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as far as i know,onion produce this thing called syn-propanethial-S-oxide.That's why the eyes release tears when the onion being chopped.
2006-12-11 01:40:12 · answer #8 · answered by 'popcornz' 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im lucky onions do not affect me.
2006-12-12 03:50:09 · answer #9 · answered by Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because you are killing the onion and and it lets off an ultra sonic screem that will be embedded in your sub-conciuous mind, and you cry. not really but if u wear swimming goggles u dont cry!!, u blatently dont hear it!!
2006-12-12 22:12:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the onion ness goes to the nearist sourse of water if you stick your tounge out it will go to that instead
2006-12-11 01:29:51 · answer #11 · answered by emmiemoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋