The Walla Walla sweet onion is a specialty onion earning a reputation for a mild onion flavor and other sought-after culinary characteristics. It is a large, overwintered onion planted in early September and harvested the following summer. Its mild flavor is attributed to its genetic background, the area where it is grown, and the expertise of those who culture it. Popular in domestic markets, this onion is not widely used abroad.
Research is needed to see if the onion is marketable overseas.
Research Tests to reduce harvesting and handling damage and the amount of fertilizer applied to onion fields were performed. Initial results indicated a potential market for the Walla Walla sweet onion. Results and Future Research Research allowed harvesting and handling damage to be reduced appreciably and fertilizer amounts were reduced by more than one third. Walla Walla sweet onions are acceptable to the Japanese consumer. However, many cultural and economic conditions will affect the long-term sustainability of this market.