Vidalia Onion Committee Hosts Field Tour for Bloggers and Media
In celebration of the start of the 2014 Vidalia onion season, the Vidalia Onion Committee recently hosted a field tour for food bloggers and media, according to a press release.
The tour provided a first-hand look at how and where Vidalia onions are grown along with one-on-one conversations with farmers.
"The farmers enjoyed sharing their passion for growing Vidalia onions, their dedication to food safety and quality and the history of their family farms which is multi-generational." stated Susan Waters Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Committee.
In total, 11 national food bloggers and key media people explored the fields and viewed the process by which Vidalias are hand-harvested.
A tour of the packing facility showcased how these sweet onions are carefully handled, graded and packaged ensuring quality and food safety.
During the event, participants were also treated with a wide array of specially prepared meals from local chefs, each featuring the versatility and flavor of Vidalia onions.
The luncheon was hosted by Applebee's. The national restaurant chain introduced and prepared a new menu item that will launch in all of its US restaurants starting May 5th. Part of Applebee's new summer menu, the Grilled Vidalia Onion Sirloin is a tender 7 oz. sirloin steak that is grilled to order and topped with a grilled and carmelized slice of sweet Vidalia onion, with garlicky spinach and smashed and crisped red-skinned potatoes in a warm, sweet and spicy Hawaiian BBQ sauce.
Commissioner Gary Black of the Georgia Department of Agriculture also joined the tour and spoke about the benefits of the Georgia-grown initiative in promoting Georgia’s locally grown products.
This event provided an engaging and interesting experience for those who participated, while simultaneously promoting Vidalia onions.
Vidalia Onion Committee
