Why Do Onions Make You Cry?
Onions contain compounds called amino acid sulfoxides. When an onion is cut, the cells are damaged and the sulfoxides mix with the enzyme alliinase. This produces a volatile gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide that wafts up towards your eyes.
The gas reacts with the water in your eyes to form a mild sulfuric acid. This irritates the nerves in your eyes, causing them to release more tears to wash away the irritant.
So in short, onions make you cry because they release a gas that forms a mild acid when it comes into contact with the natural moisture in your eyes. The acid irritates your eyes, making them water uncontrollably.
How to Prevent Onion Tears
Here are some tips to prevent tearing up while cutting onions:
Wear Goggles or Safety Glasses
Wearing goggles or safety glasses forms a barrier between your eyes and the onion vapors. This prevents the gas from getting in and irritating your eyes. Look for glasses that have a good seal around the eyes.
Chill the Onion
Chilling an onion in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes before cutting can slow down the chemical reaction that produces the tear-inducing gas. The cold temperature makes the onion less volatile.
Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife slices cleanly through onion cell walls, producing less of the gas in the first place. A dull knife crushes cells, rapidly releasing sulfoxides and enzymes that maximize gas production.
Cut Under Running Water
Running water carries the volatile gases away from your eyes. You can hold the onion under a faucet or do all your chopping in a large bowl of water.
Cut Near a Fan or Vent
Position a fan to blow the onion gas away from your face as you chop. Cut near a stove vent to suck away the irritating fumes.
Wear Contacts Instead of Glasses
Contacts cover your eyes better than glasses, preventing vapors from getting in. But still be careful, as the gas can get trapped under contacts.
Chew Gum or Keep Your Mouth Closed
Keeping your mouth closed prevents you from inhaling onion vapors through your nose and directing them towards your eyes. Chewing gum also helps generate more saliva to protect your eyes.
Use a Slicer or Food Processor
Devices like mandolines and food processors slice onions with minimal cell damage, reducing vapors. Hold the pieces away from your face when transferring to a bowl.
What to Wear When Cutting Onions
Here are some clothing and accessory options to protect your eyes from onion tears:
Swimming Goggles
Swimming goggles fully seal around the eye area, blocking vapors. Look for swim goggles that are comfortable and form a tight seal without gaps. Anti-fog coating also helps maintain clear vision.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses designed for work provide durable eye protection. Make sure to get a snug fit around the eyes. Glasses marketed as “splash proof” tend to seal better than basic safety glasses.
Ski Goggles
Ski goggles are designed to shield eyes in cold, windy environments – perfect for blocking onion gas. Look for fog-resistant lens coating. Make sure the strap fits comfortably over your head.
Lab Goggles
Lab goggles are designed to protect eyes from liquids, vapors, and debris. They completely seal around the eyes and fit snugly against the face. This prevents onion gas from sneaking in from the sides.
Diving Mask
A diving mask covers the nose and seals tightly around the eyes, providing total eye protection when cutting vapory foods. Look for tempered glass construction that won’t fracture on impact.
Onion Goggles
Specialized onion goggles are available that are designed specifically for cutting onions. They seal tightly to the face and feature vent holes that diffuse onion vapors. Some also include replaceable activated carbon filters.
Face Shield
A clear plastic face shield can protect both your eyes and face from onion spray. Look for an adjustable headband for a customized fit. Fog-resistant designs help maintain visibility.
Swim Caps
Wearing a form-fitting swim cap can trap your hair and prevent onion vapors from wafting up towards your eyes. Stretchy latex or silicone caps work best to keep all your hair contained.
Hat or Headscarf
Wearing a hat or headscarf can help block onion gases from reaching your eyes. Opt for closely woven fabrics like cotton that won’t let vapors through. Make sure to keep hair secured under the hat.
Breathing Mask
A breathing mask worn over the nose and mouth prevents you from inhaling onion fumes, stopping them from flowing towards the eyes. Look for tightly sealing cloth or disposable masks.
Bandaana or Headband
Tie a bandana or headband across your forehead Pirates of the Caribbean style before chopping. It will soak up onion vapors wafting towards your eyes. Use cotton or microfiber to best absorb the gas.
Recommended Onion Cutting Attire
Based on the above options, here are some recommended outfits for cutting onions tear-free:
Swim Goggles + Lab Coat + Apron
Wear lab goggles sealed tightly under a lab coat and apron. The coat and apron protect your clothing from stains, while the goggles shield eyes. The coat also traps onion odors from clinging to your skin and clothes.
Ski Goggles + Baseball Cap + Turtleneck
Ski goggles offer fog-resistant, wraparound eye protection. A baseball cap helps catch stray vapors, while a long sleeve turtleneck prevents gases from wafting up your sleeves.
Face Shield + Bandana + Long Sleeves
A face shield guards the eyes and face. A bandana contains the hair and wicks away vapor. Long sleeves prevent stray gases from traveling up the arms.
Onion Goggles + Disposable Coveralls
Onion goggles customized for chopping, paired with disposable coveralls to protect the rest of the body from onion stains and spray. The coveralls are breathable and can be tossed after cooking.
Diving Mask + Raincoat + Rubber Gloves
A diving mask fully seals the eyes from vapors. A hooded raincoat and rubber gloves protect the rest of the body from onion stains and juices.
Conclusion
Onions make you cry by releasing a gas that irritates your eyes. To prevent tears while chopping onions, wear goggles or glasses that seal tightly around the eyes. Chilling onions before cutting, using a sharp knife, and cutting under running water can also help minimize vapors.
Recommended gear includes swimming goggles, safety glasses, ski goggles, lab goggles, face shields, and specialty onion goggles. Pair eye protection with items like lab coats, rubber gloves, disposable coveralls, hats, and bandanas for added protection. With the right attire, you can chop onions tear-free!
HTML Table of Onion Cutting Clothing and Accessories
| Clothing Item | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Swimming Goggles | Fully seal around eyes |
| Safety Glasses | Provide durable eye protection |
| Ski Goggles | Shield eyes from vapors |
| Lab Goggles | Completely seal around eyes |
| Diving Mask | Covers nose and seals around eyes |
| Onion Goggles | Specialized for cutting onions |
| Face Shield | Protects eyes and face |
| Swim Caps | Traps hair and vapors |
| Hat or Headscarf | Blocks vapors from reaching eyes |
| Breathing Mask | Prevents inhaling fumes |
| Bandana or Headband | Wicks away vapors |