Fresher onions are less likely to make you cry than old ones, but it’s often hard to tell the difference between young vs. old onions. Rosa added, “Your eyes have a set of nerves that … Onions produce a chemical called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which is known to trigger tears. Consider yourself safe when you’re washing or peeling the onion. HOW ONIONS MAKE US CRY Each tiny cell* of an onion has a sealed blob within it containing a chemical the onion makes. White, yellow and red onions all have higher concentrations of the onion enzyme necessary to create this gas, while sweet onions, green onions and scallions have lower concentrations. Science Focus gives more details: The onion’s cells contain an enzyme … Enzymes are very useful, natural substances in all living things that make chemical reactions happen. Who knew such a tasty vegetable could pack such a potent substance? Short answer: Onions make you cry because they release a sulfenic acid in gaseous form. Look for onions that have tight, intact peels versus those that have flaking, papery skin sans a bright green bulb. Why do onions make us cry? When you cut an onion you are tearing the sealed blobs containing enzymes apart. Why do onions make you cry, anyway?According to the New York Times, the mere act of cutting into the bulbed vegetable releases a chemical called lachrymatory factor (LF), which is essentially a gas.It immediately triggers the sensory nerves in your eyes, causing them to burn and well up with tears. Why do onions make us cry? When the onion is cut, this chemical sprays into the air, causing even the most masterful cooks to well up.. The Nitty-Gritty Behind How Onions Make You Cry Aug. 2, 2017 — Adding onions to a recipe can make a meal taste rich and savory, but cutting up the onion can be brutal. Tears are our bodies natural protection. This chemical is called an enzyme. I think that sweet onions cause the least crying, at least in my experience. So perhaps the real question is how do you cut an onion without crying (if you can’t get your hands on tearless onions, that is)? The onions with the least amount of gas include sweet onions, green onions, and scallions. Why do Onions Make You Cry? Red, white, and yellow onions have higher concentrations of LF while green onions, scallions, and sweet onions contain lower concentrations. I know that onion cells, when broken give off sulfur compounds which rapidly change into other chemicals on contact with air which then become vapors that irritate the eye. I found that there are plenty of suggestions out there that supposedly help you cry less while chopping an onion… Also, green onions or scallions have never made me cry. Yup – acidic gas. Food can make you cry from the other end of your body too. 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