Vidalias have a higher water and sugar content than other storage onions, making them susceptible to bruising, and need to be handled with care. Since they're only available a portion of the year, sweet onion lovers buy them in quantity (50 lb. or more), and store them for extended enjoyment.

The key to preserving Vidalias, and to prevent bruising, is to keep them cool, dry and separated. Here are 2 popular storage methods:

• In the refrigerator, wrapped separately in foil. This method is expensive and takes up precious refrigerator space, but can preserve Vidalia Onions for as long as a year.
• In the legs of clean, sheer pantyhose. Tie a knot between each Vidalia and cut above the knot when you want one. Hang in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.

To bake a Vidalia Onion, peel, then cut off the top and bottom to make it sit flat. Place
a pat of butter on top, and microwave for 7 minutes on high, or wrap securely in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender.