When you cut Garlic no tears come out but onion why?

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Onions and garlic are both members of the lily family, but they have some key differences. One of the most noticeable differences is that cutting onions makes you cry, while cutting garlic does not. This is due to the different chemical compounds that are present in the two vegetables.

The compound that causes tears when you cut onions is called syn-propanethial-S-oxide (SPSO). SPSO is a volatile compound that is released when the onion is cut, and it irritates the eyes, causing them to produce tears.

Garlic does not contain SPSO, so it does not cause tears. However, garlic does contain other compounds that can irritate the eyes, such as allicin. Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound that is responsible for the characteristic flavor and smell of garlic. When allicin comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause them to water and burn.

Here are some tips to avoid crying when cutting onions:

* Chill the onion before cutting it. This will help to slow down the release of SPSO.

* Cut the onion under running water. This will help to wash away the SPSO before it has a chance to irritate your eyes.

* Wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting onions. This will protect your eyes from the SPSO and other irritants.

* Use a sharp knife when cutting onions. This will help to produce clean cuts and reduce the amount of SPSO that is released.

If you do get tears in your eyes after cutting onions, there are a few things you can do to relieve the irritation:

* Rinse your eyes with cool water.

* Apply a cold compress to your eyes.

* Use artificial tears.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Crying when cutting onions is a common experience, but it is not dangerous. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of crying and enjoy cutting onions without the tears.