Vidalia Onion Story

Vidalia Onion Production Area

• The Vidalia Onion is a Georgia-grown yellow granex hybrid known for its sweet, mild flavor. Vidalias were first grown in Toombs County, Georgia
• Vidalia Onions have developed an international reputation as the “world’s sweetest onion.” Their mild flavor is due to the unique combination of soils and climate found in the 20-county production area.
• Through Federal legislation, the Vidalia Onion growers developed Federal Marketing Order No. 955 in 1989 in an effort to fund research projects and to promote the consumption of Vidalia Onions.
• The marketing order program covers onions produced in the following counties in Southeast Georgia: Appling, Bacon, Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wheeler, as well as portions of Dodge, Jenkins, Laurens, Long, Pierce, Screven and Wayne Counties.
• Vidalia Onions are sold loose by the pound, in 2-,3-, and 5- pound “pre-packs,” and in 10-,25-, and 40-pound mesh bags and boxes.
• Generally recognized Vidalia Onion sizes are small (1 to 2¼ inches), medium (2 to 3½), and jumbo (3 inches and larger).
• About 70% of the Vidalia crop is distributed through grocery stores as a specialty item. The remaining 30% is distributed through roadside stands and mail-order businesses.
• Vidalia Onions are harvested from late April through mid-June. Retailers usually have fresh Vidalia Onions available through mid-July. Due to the induction of controlled atmosphere storage, stored Vidalia Onions are available through December.
• In 1990, a resolution was passed by the Georgia legislature declaring the Vidalia Onion as Georgia’s Official State Vegetable.