If you love onions but could do without the harsh bite, then you need to try Texas 1015 onions. This oversized, sweet onion has been a favorite in Texas (and beyond) for decades. It’s big, mild, and packed with flavor—perfect for everything from burgers to onion rings to caramelized goodness on just about anything. But what makes it so special? Let’s dig into its history, why people love it, and where you can grab some before the season is over.
The Story Behind the Texas sweet onion
The Texas 1015 wasn’t just discovered by chance—it was carefully developed to be one of the best sweet onions around. Back in the 1970s,
Dr. Leonard Pike, a horticulture professor at Texas A&M, wanted to create an onion that was large, flavorful, and naturally sweet. After years of crossbreeding different varieties, he finally nailed it.
By 1985, the Texas 1015 was officially introduced to the world. The name “1015” actually comes from its ideal planting date—October 15. Since then, this onion has become a Texas staple and was even named the official state vegetable. This article in Authentic Texas discusses Texas sweets’ history dating back to 1898.
Why So Popular?
There are a lot of sweet onions out there, but the Texas 1015 stands out for a few key reasons:
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It’s huge. Seriously, these onions are massive compared to your standard grocery store onions.
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Mild and naturally sweet. Thanks to its low sulfur content, the Texas 1015 won’t make you cry when you cut into it. It’s perfect for eating raw or cooked.
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Packed with nutrients. Like all onions, it’s full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber—good for your immune system and overall health.
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Versatile for cooking. Whether you want to slice it up for a salad, caramelize it for a burger, or deep-fry it into crispy onion rings, it works in just about any dish.
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A Texas tradition. Texans love their food, and the Texas 1015 is a proud part of the state’s agricultural legacy.
Where to Buy Texas 1015 Onions
Since Texas 1015 onions are seasonal, they’re only available for a few months each year—typically from late spring to early summer. If you see them, grab them while you can! You can find these onions in major grocery stores across Texas and surrounding states. Places like H-E-B, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Central Market usually carry them when they’re in season. For the freshest Texas 1015 onions, check out a local farmers’ market. If you’re in Texas, this is one of the best ways to get your onions straight from the growers.
Online Retailers
Not in Texas? No problem. Many farms and specialty produce sites ship Texas 1015 onions nationwide. Websites like Texas1015.com and even Amazon often sell them when they’re in season.
Direct from Texas farms
Some Texas farms sell Texas 1015 onions directly to consumers. This means you’re getting them as fresh as possible, straight from the source.
How to keep them fresh
Because Texas 1015 onions have a higher water content than regular onions, they don’t last as long. Here’s how to store them properly:
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Keep them cool and dry. A pantry or a well-ventilated spot in your kitchen works best.
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Skip the plastic bags. Use mesh bags or even paper towels to let them breathe.
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Refrigerate if necessary. If you live in a humid area, wrapping them in paper towels and keeping them in the fridge can help them last longer.
Final Thoughts
The Texas 1015 onion isn’t just another sweet onion—it’s a piece of Texas history and one of the best onions you can cook with. Its short growing season makes it a must-buy while it’s available, so don’t wait too long to grab some!
Here are a couple of sweet onion recipes in which to use your Texas 1015s.
What’s your favorite way to use Texas 1015 onions?
