Vidalia Onions are harvested from late April through mid June. Retailers usually have fresh Vidalia Onions available through mid July. In the past, Vidalias could only be purchased through the harvest season. Now, because of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, the onions can be stored and sold through December.

Basically, a CA Storage facility looks like a huge warehouse. When onions are harvested some are packed in huge crates that are stacked to the ceiling in the CA Storage facility. These rooms are really big. One room may hold up to 14,000 fifty lb. bags of Vidalia onions.

 

The CA Storage facility is kept at a constant 34 degrees Fahrenheit with 75% humidity. The air is 92% nitrogen, 5% carbon dioxide, and 3% oxygen.