The world-famous Vidalia sweet onion is not only America’s favorite sweet onion; it has also been the cornerstone of the Shuman family business for more than thirty years.
The city of Vidalia and the surrounding region in southeast Georgia are known the world over for growing the sweetest onions available, but did you know that the crop was originally a fluke? It’s true! During the Great Depression, farmers in the area planted onions in search of a new cash crop. Once they were harvested, the farmers were surprised to find that they were much different than expected – they were sweet!
The sandy soils of southeast Georgia, combined with the average rainfall, allowed sulfur compounds (the elements that make an onion hot or bring tears to your eyes when they’re cut) to wash away. This is what allows the onions to remain mild, sweet and uniquely delicious.
Vidalia sweet onions taste great sliced or chopped on a salad, grilled on a burger, stuffed with sausage and baked, sautéed with chicken or stewed with squash. We think you get the idea!
The Vidalia onion season runs from mid-April to early August. Look for RealSweet Vidalia onions in the produce department of your favorite grocery store during those months.
