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By Kim Brunson, Manager, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee
In the late 1800s, a French soldier named Pete Pieri brought the sweet onion seed from Corsica, Italy, to Walla Walla, Washington. The combination of Walla Walla’s climate and the low sulfur content in the soil contributes to the sweetness of the Walla Walla Sweet Onion. For over a century, and four generations of growers later, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion continues to grow in popularity.
The Walla Walla Sweet Onion is known for being extra sweet with a wonderful crunch. The mild flavor makes the onion a welcome addition to a salad or on a sandwich or burger. Some Walla Walla Sweet Onion fans enjoy eating the onion like an apple. The culinary options are endless for this versatile onion.
In July, when the harvest is in full swing, the town of Walla Walla celebrates Walla Walla Sweet Onion Month. Celebratory Walla Walla Sweet Onion banners are found throughout downtown Walla Walla. Local restaurants serve special dishes featuring the Walla Walla Sweet Onion and share the recipes on the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Facebook page.
The Season is Short but Sweet
In 1995, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee (WWSOMC), better known as Federal Marketing Order 956, was established. The marketing order was put in place to protect the integrity of the heirloom onion that has never been hybridized, only hand selected, since 1905. While advancements in technology have improved farming practices, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion crop is still harvested by hand today.
The federal marketing order designates the onion as a unique variety and establishes a federally protected growing area. Only this heirloom onion grown in the designated area of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon can be marketed as a genuine Walla Walla Sweet Onion. The genuine Walla Walla Sweet Onion logo ensures the integrity of the sweet onion.
In the years since the establishment of the marketing order, macroeconomic trends in agriculture have reduced the grower base from 50 producers to 18 producers. Today, the value of WWSOMC and the protection it provides is even greater. As a fresh sweet onion with a short season, the committee leverages its assessment dollars to focus promotion within the region of its sales.
The short but sweet season runs from mid-June through mid-August. We look forward to the upcoming Walla Walla Sweet Onion season. Life should be this sweet.
