• Reading Level 4
Science | Design & Technology | Art & Design

No tears but new onion sparks angry outcry

Sting: Onions make people cry by releasing the chemical synpropanethial-S-oxid.

Has life become too boring? “In rich countries we have everything we need and nothing we want'' goes the complaint. Is removing risk, pain and authenticity a terrible mistake? Cooks around the world know the pain. First, the smell. Then the stinging. Finally, the tears. Chopping onions is a universal nightmare. There have been dozens of solutions: super-sharp knives, microwaving – even wearing a pair of cooking gogglesProtective goggles have been shown to reduce and delay the effects of synpropanethial-S-oxide, but not to stop it altogether.. But none seem to fix the problem.

Continue Reading

To access this article and more news for schools, try The Day now.

Start your free trial Already have an account? Log in / register