Crying From Cutting Onions? Here’s Simple Tips To Follow

Cutting onions can be the “saddest’ moment that you can experience. Your eyes produce endless tears and it’s hard for you to stop them from coming out. Have you ever wondered why cutting onions make our eyes tear?

For your information, when an onion is cut, certain compounds (lachrymator) are released, which irritate the nerves surrounding the eyes. These substances consist of the amino acid family members (methionine and cystine).

 

When an onion is cut or diced, these substances are released into the air by the onion’s cells. The enzyme works to convert the amino acids into lachrymator compounds when this occurs. This form of sulfuric acid stimulates the nerves surrounding the eyes, thus causing them to tear.

So, what can we do to prevent our eyes from tearing?

According to a tweet by Khairul Hafidz, there are 7 tips that we can use in order to stop our eyes from tearing while cutting onions.

7 tips to stop your eyes from tearing while cutting onions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut the onion to reduce the amount of damage to the onion cells.
  2. Refrigerate onions to prevent the lachrymator from spreading in the air.
  3. Soak the onion in water to dissolve the amino acids. (extra tips: cutting the onions in half or quarters before soaking them is more effective)
  4. Cut the top of the onion first. This part has the most lachrymator compounds that irritate the eyes.
  5. Cut the onion near an open flame. It is said that flame can ‘burn’ lachrymator compounds when released into the air.
  6. Wear goggles when cutting the onion.
  7. Use a ventilator or fan to blow the compounds in different directions.

You can read the full tweet below:

Sources: Khairul Hafidz, Customs

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Pandora Turns Landmarks Into Luxe, “Icons of Adventure”

From Dubai’s skyline to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Pandora’s latest collection celebrates wanderlust with a… Read More

15 hours ago

NakNak’s “Pickle & Play” Brings Food And Fun Together

What happens when Korea-inspired comfort food meets Malaysia’s latest sports craze? You get Pickle &… Read More

16 hours ago

Greta Thunberg Urges the World: “Focus on Gaza, Not Me”

On October 7, renowned Swedish activist Greta Thunberg arrived safely in Paris, France, following a… Read More

16 hours ago

Skechers Brings The Heat To The Court With New Viper Court Collection & Pickleball Apparel

Pickleball is having a moment and Skechers just made it cooler. The Comfort Technology Company™… Read More

19 hours ago

Go Organic, Go Authentic, Alce Nero Turns Pasta Into a Feel-Good Lifestyle

Organic, but make it Italian. This September and October, Alce Nero wants Malaysians to celebrate… Read More

20 hours ago

foodpanda Wants Gig Workers to Thrive, Not Just Survive in 2026

Budget 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, especially for the gig economy.… Read More

20 hours ago

This website uses cookies.