New red onion triumphs over tears

A tearless onion has been introduced in Britain, the first sweet variety of red onions which don’t cause people to cry.

The red onion variety, Asda Sweet Red, was two decades in the making, according to farmer Alastair Findlay of Bedfordshire Growers.

As many as 500 onion bulbs each season were tasted and tested before a variety could be created which would develop well but with less pungency and lower sulphur.

Sulphur is the culprit which causes eyes to water and sting.

The result is an onion with a lighter flavour, but also less scent to cause irritation.

The milder taste has been designed for salads and garnishes.

Red onions have been growing in popularity in Britain and now form 20% of all onion sales, according to Asda which will stock the new variety.

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