We often see that somebody si crying while cutting the onions. This is not any emotion, but this is caused by the exposure if irritants from onion, when it is sliced. It may also cause itching or tingling in the eyes. When the onions are sliced, enzymes and sulfenic acid is released from its skin and combine to form propanethial S-oxide (which is an lachrymatory agent and an irritating gas ).
When this gas comes in contact with watery layer of eyes, it turns into sulphuric acid. The defence mechanism of your eyes generates tears, when any lachrymatory agent is detected by nerves in eyes, to flush that compound out of your eyes.
Tear free onion varieties called, "Sunions", are also developed by genetic transformation. Some old myths suggest that chewing gum while cutting the onion will help you to get less tears. Submerge onions in chilled water before cutting also help in less tear problem. You can also use pre-cut onions, dried onion or onion powder to protect your eyes.
When this gas comes in contact with watery layer of eyes, it turns into sulphuric acid. The defence mechanism of your eyes generates tears, when any lachrymatory agent is detected by nerves in eyes, to flush that compound out of your eyes.
Tear free onion varieties called, "Sunions", are also developed by genetic transformation. Some old myths suggest that chewing gum while cutting the onion will help you to get less tears. Submerge onions in chilled water before cutting also help in less tear problem. You can also use pre-cut onions, dried onion or onion powder to protect your eyes.