Why is it when you run water when chopping onions, your eyes don't burn?!
Why is it when you run water when chopping onions, your eyes don't burn?
Answers: When onions are sliced their cells are broken and they generate sulfenic acids. These gases goes in to the eyes and react with the water to form sulfuric acid.This acid irritates the nerves and burn the eyes and the tear glands produce tears to dilute and eject the irritant.
To control excess watering of the eyes it will be better while chopping an onion it can be done in a basin immersed in water and chilling and freezing of onions before use also controls this sort of situation to a greater extent.
Running water alone, unless the onions are in the water while you are chopping, will not control all the sulfenic acid released. It will, however, dilute some particles that are in the air. Burning candles while chopping onion will also help to dissipate some of the sulfenic acid. Y'know - I've never head this particular "method" when it comes to keeping your eyes from tearing up / burning when chopping onions. I'll have to try it next time.
I've seen & tried the ol' spoon in the mouth trick - and that seems to work (yes, I know - REALLY odd)
Heck - I hate onions anyway... but it's fun to see little "tricks" like this in case I have to deal with 'em. As I understand it, chopping the onions releases irritants into the air, they get into your eyes, and your eyes burn. The running water washes the irritants away. idk its probably an expriment that you just acknowlege