Strange/random question regarding red onions and spring onions

[grayg1]

Does anyone elses noses sting like crazy when they eat these?
Maybe someone can explain why this happens?

It doesn't happen with regular onions though.

[MadduckUK]

is THIS what the subway advert with the red onions stalking the guy is about?

[Sinizter]

Nope, mine doesnt sting like crazy.

[Virtual Monkey]

You're supposed to put them in your mouth, not your nose.

[pauldarkside]

You're supposed to put them in your mouth, not your nose.

I don't know, kids today don't know their arse from their elbow. I wonder if Scan's got any common sense in stock

[eshrules]

You're supposed to put them in your mouth, not your nose.

possibly the funniest one-liner i've seen today

[grayg1]

You know what? I'm really disapointed Clunk has said anything, maybe he can't beat Virtual Monkey...

Or maybe this is just too weird even for Clunk

[MadduckUK]

Or maybe this is just too weird even for Clunk

unlikely

[Brucelles]

Onions are fitted with a set of enzymes called alliinases (from the latin name for an onion; Allium). Upon exposure to oxygen the alliinases break down releasing hydrogen sulphide, a gas that combines with water to form sulphuric acid.

This is why, when you inhale the smell of an onion you get that stinging in your eyes and nose.

I am not sure about spring onions, but red onions contain more allinases than 'ordinary' onions, which is why they are an overpriced treat for poseurs, and not as tasty as a normal brown onion. It is also why they make girlies' noses sting.

[DavidM]

You're supposed to put them in your mouth, not your nose.

Thank you for the great new sig

[Sinizter]

Thank you for the great new sig

Doesnt quite have the same effect without the original post.

[grayg1]

So basically the gases of the onion are rising into my nose and forming acid thus burning my nose? O_o

Intersting... my nose doesn't burn whilst chopping but it does whilst eating them...

[CMC]

i never really eat red onions... so i dunno about them, but scallions dont make my nose sting... they do however make my breath stink...

[Brucelles]

So basically the gases of the onion are rising into my nose and forming acid thus burning my nose? O_o

Put simply, yes.

Cut out the middle man and snort battery acid.

[sammyc]

You know what? I'm really disapointed Clunk has said anything...

what, anything? ever?

[grayg1]

what, anything? ever?

shhh... you're spoiling Clunks comeback opertunities