Why do onions make us cry?
When you cut an onion, it lets out an invisible mist that tickles your eyes.
Pip’s answer
- When you cut an onion, it lets out an invisible mist that tickles your eyes.
- The mist floats up through the air and reaches your eyes.
- Your eyes make tears to wash the tickly mist away.
- Wow-ee, your eyes have their very own washing helpers!
For grown-ups
Cutting an onion breaks its cells, releasing enzymes that create a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When this gas reaches your eyes, it irritates them, and your eyes make tears to wash it away. Chilling onions or using a sharp knife can reduce the tears.
Ask your child: What tricks have you seen grown-ups use to cut onions without crying?
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