Vidalia onions make the menu at Kentucky Derby

The Vidalia Onion Committee is kicking off the 2022 season by announcing the sweet onions will once again be included on the official menu of the Kentucky Derby.

Vidalia onions will be featured in the Kentucky Derby’s on-site and at-home menus in dishes including: Seared Chicken Breast with Pancetta, Vidalia Onion and Fennel Cream, Short Ribs with Vidalia Onion Demi, Twinkle Light Succotash and Green Eggs and Ham.    

“We’re proud to announce our continued partnership with the Kentucky Derby this year, once again bringing together two rites of spring,” Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman, said in a release. “It’s an exciting time of year for us as we ship Vidalia onions to grocery store shelves for all to enjoy in their spring and summer recipes.”  

In addition to its partnership with the Kentucky Derby, the Vidalia Onion Committee has also partnered with Pomegranate Hospitality owner Alon Shaya — a two-time James Beard Award winner and "Top Chef" judge — to create two additional recipes for home chefs. These include Vidalia Onion and Chicken Gumbo, as well as Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Toast with Sherry and Gruyere Cheese, which will also be available on the Derby’s website. 

“When discovering seasonal delights to cook with, Vidalia onions have always stood out as an intriguing ingredient for me to prepare,” Churchill Down’s Interim Executive Chef Kenneth Hardiman said. “Their sweet, mild flavor plays well in a variety of dishes, making Vidalias the perfect fit for Derby fans to enjoy when at the racetrack or entertaining at home.” 

While all Vidalia onions are sweet, not all sweet onions can be called a Vidalia. A distinct Granex seed is grown in 20 south Georgia counties, blooming into a sweet, juicy bulb that is harvested, packed and sold on or after the official pack date determined by the state’s agriculture department, resulting in a Vidalia onion, according to the Vidalia Onion Committee. 

Discovered in the 1930s, Vidalia onions earned a trademarked name by Georgia state legislature in 1986 with the Vidalia Onion Act. In 1989, the USDA issued federal protection of Vidalia onions, organizing the committee to support marketing and research initiatives. As of 1992, the state of Georgia was deemed the official owner of the Vidalia onion trademark.  

Kentucky Derby officials are equally excited for another opportunity to include Vidalias as a featured player in the event's menu offerings.

 “As we get ready for the 2022 Kentucky Derby, we’re thrilled to have the Vidalia Onion Committee as a returning sponsor,” Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said. “We’re looking forward to enjoying the official menu dishes including this unique sweet onion, while we eagerly watch the races.”  

Vidalia onions began shipping to grocery stores across the U.S. and Canada on April 12, this year’s pack date. The Kentucky Derby is set for May 7.