DID YOU KNOW
Rio Grande Valley onions have been making headlines for over 100 years? By Dr. Kimberly Selber
The Rio Grande Valley, a region rich in agricultural heritage, has a fascinating history with one of its key crops: onions. This story spans over a century, intertwining the region’s development with the evolution of onion cultivation.
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nions are believed to be one of the oldest cultivated crops, integral to the prehistoric diet. Their durability, ease of transport, and adaptability to various soils and climates made them ideal for early agriculture. Not only were onions a crucial food source, but they also played a significant role in hydration, and their ability to be dried and preserved made them invaluable in times of food scarcity. Although the precise origins of onions remain elusive, ancient records highlight their significance in nutrition, art, medicine, and even mummification practices. In Ancient Egypt, for example, onions were revered, symbolizing eternity, and were often buried with pharaohs as sacred offerings.
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ONION FARMING IN SOUTH TEXAS The rise of onion farming in South Texas took off in the early 1900s. In 1904, farmers cultivated about 500 acres of onions, setting the stage for a significant shift in the area’s agricultural landscape. This trend experienced a swift expansion, and by 1929, the region’s onion production had skyrocketed, reaching more than sevenfold the quantity recorded in 1907. THE ONION RACE TO NEW YORK In 1926, an intriguing competition captured public interest: the race to transport onions from the Lower Rio Grande Valley and the Nile Valley of Egypt to New York. Newspapers nationwide covered this annual event, focusing on the speed and efficiency of these shipments. Headlines such as “Onion Race Now On From Texas and From Egypt” and “Rival Onions in Annual Race to N.Y.” highlighted this unique rivalry. According to one Maine newspaper, the Rio Grande Valley “produces enough onions to flavor all the salads in the world. So does Egypt.” So why the rush? Well, whoever got there first would reap the profits. If Texas arrived ahead of Alexandria, Bermuda onions would fetch a higher price. But, if Egypt arrived first, the Texas market would slump considerably. There was more at stake than just a side veggie. The Morning Call of Patterson, New Jersey, reported, “Private leased wires are maintained day and night…to keep a check on the onion race.”
