Have you ever found yourself curious about the peculiar phenomenon that occurs when you chop onions and tears well up in your eyes?
It’s a widely experienced occurrence that can unexpectedly transform a seemingly straightforward task in the kitchen into an unexpectedly emotional ordeal. The question of why this happens has puzzled many, prompting a search for answers.
Viral Video Sparks Curiosity
However, amid the vast landscape of the internet, a video has gone viral, amassing an impressive 1.6 million views and capturing the attention and curiosity of countless online users.
This captivating video presents an intriguing proposition—a potential solution that promises to alleviate the tears provoked by cutting onions.
The buzz generated by this video has ignited excitement, as people are eager to explore this purportedly straightforward method that could potentially revolutionize their onion-chopping experiences and end the watery-eyed aftermath.
Cutting Onion Technique
The video revolves around a peculiar onion-cutting technique she discovered. She explains that onions are supposedly attracted to the nearest water source, which, without the paper towel, would be your tear ducts. The content creator shares an intriguing theory that cutting an onion next to a wet paper towel can prevent tears.
“I just saw this thing that says if you cut an onion next to a wet paper towel, then you don’t cry because apparently an onion is attracted to the nearest water source, which would be your tear ducts without the paper towel.”
Putting the Theory to the Test
The content creator tests this theory by placing a wet paper towel near the onion she will cut. She expresses her anticipation, admitting that she always cries when cutting onions. As the experiment progresses, she exclaims in astonishment,
“Oh, my gosh. You’re kidding me. Oh, my gosh. No tears at all. I’m shaking.”
The Impact of the Experiment
The experiment profoundly impacted the viewers as the content creator’s surprised reaction resonated with many. Numerous viewers were equally intrigued by the concept of a tear-free onion-cutting experience.
As a result, the video received significant attention, leading to a surge in comments and discussions regarding the effectiveness of this technique.
One user enthusiastically exclaimed, “Omg, I saw that too and tried it, and it works!!”
Another viewer shared her personal onion hack, stating, “I always put my onions in the freezer and then cut them, no tears! “
A third user added, “Also, don’t cut the root end off; that’s where all the gases are! “
The Science Of Why Onions Make Us Cry
Onions make us cry due to a chemical reaction when we cut into them. This is because cutting an onion releases an enzyme called lachrymatory-factor synthase.
This enzyme converts the amino acid sulfoxides in the onion into sulfenic acid. The unstable sulfenic acid then rearranges into syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. This compound is volatile and gets into the air.[1]
When it comes into contact with our eyes, it irritates the lachrymal glands. In response to this irritation, the lachrymal glands produce tears to wash away the irritant and alleviate the discomfort.
So, the process involves the release of lachrymatory-factor synthase, the conversion of sulfoxides into sulfenic acid, the rearrangement into syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, the dispersal of the compound into the air, the contact of the combination with our eyes, the irritation of the lachrymal glands, and the production of tears to flush out the irritant.[2]
@nicole_thenomad DID YOU KNOW THIS?!?! share this onion hack w someone who needs it!!!! I’m shaking. #lifehack #onionhack #cookingtips #hacklife #mindblown ♬ Quirky – Oleg Kirilkov
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
