National Vidalia Onion Month

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Posted by Lynne Webb on May 10, 2008

Vidalia Onions The sweet onion known as the Vidalia can only be grown in a select number of counties in the state of Georgia. In the early 1930's farmer Mose Coleman realized that the onions he was growing on his Georgia farm were wonderfully sweet. Difficult as it was, he managed to sell the concept of a premium onion and was able to command a higher price for his crops. Subsequent decades saw increased production and promotion of the Vidalia and in 1990 it became the official state vegetable of Georgia.

~ Photo Courtesy Vidalia® Onion Committee

Vidalia onions have a distinctive sweet flavor and are a great choice for numerous onion recipes as well as for eating raw in salads and on sandwiches. While not a nutritional powerhouse, they are low in calories and sodium, fat and cholesterol free. In addition, one medium onion has about 15% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.

Storage Tips

Because the onions are only available for a limited amount of time, you may want to stock up while they last. The Vidalia Onion Committee has the following recommendations for best handling and storage practices:

Wrap each onion separately in a paper towel and store in the refrigerator, or slip onions into the leg of a clean pair of pantyhose, tying a knot between each onion to keep them separated and hang the stocking in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

Looking for something new to try with Vidalia onions? Here is a recipe from the Vidalia Onion Committee website:

Grilled Vidalia Onion with Orange-Honey Vinaigrette