Vidalia Onions – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are Vidalia onions?

Vidalia onions are a sweet vegetable and part of the Allium genus of flowering plants, including leeks, chives, shallots, and garlic. The Vidalia onion is a staple in Southern summertime cuisine, and it’s often:

• Tossed in salads
• Grilled
• Pickled
• Slapped on burgers and sandwiches
• Chilled for even better flavor

Vidalia onions are different from other yellow onions because they have a low sulfur content and a higher sugar content. Most onions have about 5% sugar, but Vidalia onions have 12%.

Where did Vidalia onions originate from?

Vidalia onions were used to treat headaches, mouth sores, and heart disease in ancient times.

In more recent history in America, Vidalia onions made their debut during the Great Depression in the 1930s when farmers thought onions would be a cash crop. In the 1940s, Georgia built a farmer’s market central to Macon, Savannah, and Augusta. Soon, word began to spread about these “sweet onions from Vidalia.” That’s how the name was born, and the onion started getting more recognition.

In 1990, Vidalia onions were named the official state vegetable of Georgia. About 200 million pounds of Vidalia onions are distributed across the country and Canada every year.

Today, Vidalia onions are also grown in:

• Peru
• Mexico
• Texas
• California
• Nevada

What is the nutritional value of Vidalia onions?

Vidalia onions have unique benefits that not every vegetable can boast about. These sweet onions pack a powerful punch of essential nutrients, including vitamin C. Vidalia onions are also rich in B vitamins, including pyridoxine (B6) and folate (B9).

Ready for some healthy sweetness in your life? There is no need to go searching online for “fresh produce near me” or “Vidalia onions near me.” Get your groceries delivered with Instacart and choose same-day delivery.

How are Vidalia onions grown?

Prepare your soil early in September by neutralizing the sulfur in the soil before planting your seeds. Spread about 30lbs of limestone per 100sq ft of soil and mix it into the ground. Make sure to go as deeply and thoroughly as possible.

Water your soil until it’s muddy, and then let it sit for about a month. As time goes on, the sulfur in the soil will bind with the limestone and prevent the sulfur from being absorbed by the onions.

After this, it’s time to fertilize the soil. Start by digging trenches about 3in deep and spaced 1ft apart from each other. Pour granulated superphosphate into each trench. Use a cup for every 20ft of the trench, and cover the trenches back over once you’re finished.

Finally, plant the Vidalia seeds early in October. Place the seeds 1/4in deep into the soil, following the lines of your fertilizer. Place each seed every 6in. Water them lightly once every day, and you should start seeing them sprout in about a week.

When are Vidalia onions in season?

Vidalia onions are harvested every season, but they’re only available from April to August each year. During these months, you can find Vidalia onions at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.

What should I look for when buying Vidalia onions?

When shopping for Vidalia onions, choose ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Make sure they have no bruises.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for Vidalia onions via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for Vidalia onions.

How to store Vidalia onions

To store Vidalia onions properly, wrap each sweet onion in a paper towel and store them in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Make sure the vent is closed. Avoid storing these onions with potatoes.

Vidalia onions can also be frozen. Before freezing them, peel and chop them. Then, spread the onion pieces evenly on a baking sheet before putting them in the freezer. Once the pieces are frozen enough for you, put them in a ziplock bag and put them back in the freezer.

How to tell if Vidalia onions are bad

You’ll know Vidalia onions are bad if they have a bad smell to them. Another sign is how they look. If they have bruises and have started growing sprouts, they’re no good. Lastly, you’ll know by the taste. If they taste off, they are probably bad.

What can I substitute for Vidalia onions?

If you can’t get your hands on a Vidalia onion, you can use any other type of sweet onion, such as Maui and Walla Walla onions.

Getting the freshest Vidalia onions delivered

Vidalia onions are root vegetables that pack plenty of nutrients into a small food. If you’re ready to get some of these sweet onions on your kitchen counter, get them delivered with Instacart and choose same-day delivery.

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