Onion - Walla Walla Sweet (seeds)

Walla Walla Onions are renowned for their delightful sweetness and distinct flavor. Here’s what you need to know about these flavorful alliums:
 
Origin and History
The story of Walla Walla Sweet Onions began over a century ago on the Island of Corsica, off the west coast of Italy. A French soldier named Peter Pieri discovered a sweet onion seed there and brought it to the Walla Walla Valley in the late 1800s. In 1900, the first harvest of Walla Walla onions took place in the valley. Italian settlers played a significant role in the early growth of this distinctive onion, making it a symbol of their identity. In 2007, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion was officially declared the state vegetable of Washington. Today, it continues to be a point of pride for the local community and a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of the Walla Walla Valley.
 
Characteristics
 
Size and Shape
Walla Walla onions grow in medium to large sizes, with globular shapes and rounded ends. Their distinct roundness sets them apart from other onion varieties.
 
Sweetness and Mild Flavor
Walla Walla onions are less pungent than other onions, making them ideal for raw consumption in salads, sandwiches, or caramelized dishes.
 
Low Sulfur Content
Their mild flavor is attributed to their relatively low sulfur content, which also makes them comfortable to handle during preparation and cooking.
 
Ideal Growing Conditions
Walla Walla onions thrive in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State. The region provides a favorable climate with mild temperatures and adequate rainfall, perfect for cultivating these sweet onions.
 
Growing Your Own
If you’re a gardener, growing Walla Walla onions can be a delightful experience. These large, non-pungent onions add a gourmet touch to salads, sandwiches, and various dishes. Remember to plant them in September, and they’ll be ready for hand-harvesting the following summer. Walla Walla onions hibernate in winter and restart growth in early spring, making them a rewarding crop for home gardeners.
 
Next time you’re in the kitchen, consider adding some Walla Walla Sweet Onions to your culinary creations!