When you slice an onion, it releases enzymes and sulfuric substances. These sulfuric substances - amino acid sulfoxides - react with the enzymes and form sulfenic acid. The sulfenic acid changes into a volatile gas (a gas that easily evaporates).This gas reacts with the moisture in your eyes. This reaction, in turn, produces sulfuric acid that irritates the eyes. Your eyes' nerve endings detect the irritation and cause the stinging sensation. They then inform the brain. To neutralize the acid, the brain tells the tear glands to produce tears.
If you want to avoid getting teary eyed when you slice an onion, it is best to cut it under water or run a tap over it as you slice. The water will dissolve the sulfuric substances.
0 comments:
Post a Comment