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Pyruvate scale
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<p>The pyruvate scale measures pungency in <a href="/facts/Onions/2ajXf00d">onions</a> and <a href="/facts/Garlic/NschLR1S">garlic</a> with units of <a href="/facts/Mole_(unit)/kCMFwCc0">μmol</a>/gfw (micromoles per gram fresh weight). It is named after <a href="/facts/Pyruvic_acid/qJTgl4J9">pyruvic acid</a>, the <a href="/facts/Alpha-keto_acid/fsucLHd3">alpha-keto acid</a> co-product created in the biochemical pathway that forms <a href="/facts/Syn-Propanethial-S-oxide/k39N17wc"><i>syn</i>-propanethial-<i>S</i>-oxide</a>, the main lachrymatory agent in onions. </p>