If an onion DOES NOT make you cry does that mean it's not fresh?

Question

Does the activity in the onion that activates tear ducts have anything to do with freshness of an onion? Why are some super strong with the chemical and others are not?

Jun · Answer

Hi boulangere! I'm working with the Food52 team on a new podcast, and we're tackling this exact topic. I've just sent you an email with some details, but was also just wondering if you'd be up to have a short online call to chat about why and how onions make us tears, and any oniony stories or tips you might have?

Jun · Answer

Hi Pilar! This is seemingly a little random, but I'm working with the Food52 team on a new podcast, and would love to tackle this exact question you've just asked on an episode we're doing. I've just sent you an email with the details, but was also just wondering if you'd be up to have a short online call to chat about this?

boulangere · Answer

I remember reading many years ago that if onions are refrigerated, they think they are going into winter, and therefor will not release the gases that turn into sulfuric acid upon contact with one's mucous membranes which causes tearing. True or not,I have no idea. I also have friends who wear contact lenses who insist that they prevent tearing when chopping onions. Whatever, onions make me drip like a faucet no matter what.

Pilar · Answer

I did a little research- according to the onion growers association it's the variety, not the freshness. Some cause that more than others.

Kristen W. · Answer

Nah, based on experience I don’t think so - I get very fresh onions from my CSA box and they don’t particularly make me cry.  I have a vague recollection of hearing that the way the onion is cut influences this but I don’t actually know if that’s true.  Maybe someone else does?

Miss_Karen · Answer

I don't know for sure about fresher making you cry or not, but I never cry when chopping/ slicing onions. It's a trick I learned a zillion years ago.

If an onion DOES NOT make you cry does that mean it's not fresh?

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