Monday is the official ship day for Vidalia onions. A swath of 20 southeast Georgia counties is the only region in the world that grows the sweet vegetable.

A panel of farmers and state officials decides the ship date depending on how much rain and sun the onions have gotten, and how mature they are. The goal is to ship them at peak flavor and sweetness.

In 2010, Vidalias had a gross value of $113 million.

The Vidalia Onion Festival starts April 28th including a Vidalia-eating contest.

Contributors: Contributor: Daniel Rinaldi

Tags: vidalia onions, Vidalia Georgia