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Why does cutting fresh raw onions always make people cry?
Every time I slice an onion for cooking, my eyes burn intensely and start tearing up. What chemical compound inside the onion structure causes this rapid reflex?
C
ChefHealthy
asked 1mo ago · 10 rep
1 Answer(s)
0
Cutting breaks the onion cells, releasing an enzyme that creates a volatile gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When this gas touches eye moisture, it forms a mild acid reflex trigger.
F
FoodChemist
answered 1mo ago