There’s no use crying over onions any longer as Australia’s first crop of Happy Chop – Tearless Onions launched exclusively in Woolworths Supermarkets stores across NSW, Victoria and the ACT from mid-July until September (while stocks last).
The unique onion variety is exactly as the name implies – an onion that’s less likely to make you cry when you cut it.
The onions were developed by BASF’s vegetable seeds business, operating in the market under the Nunhems brand. Happy Chop – Tearless Onions are bred using natural and traditional means, including a conventional crossbreeding program with existing onion varieties. They are not genetically modified.
As a natural self-defence mechanism, onions release a combination of natural chemicals and enzymes (or ‘volatile compounds’) that can cause some tears and irritation when an onion is damaged or cut.
It took over three decades of investment, development, careful selection and hard work by growers to develop this game-changing onion.
The product was originally developed overseas and first launched in the United States of America in 2017.
BASF’s team worked with a local grower in South Australia to bring this unique product to Australian shelves for the first time. They were first seen at Hort Connections 2023.
BASF head of agriculture – Australia and New Zealand Gavin Jackson said they’d received many questions about taste and whether no tears also equals no taste.
While being less pungent, he said Happy Chop – Tearless Onions retain a great onion flavour and are slightly sweeter than regular brown onions and they can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
Happy Chop – Tearless Onions contain fewer of these pungent compounds, and these continue to reduce after they are harvested, compared to regular onions where these compounds increase over time. This means they become more tearless over time.
Woolworths Supermarkets’ general manager fruit and veg, Paul Turner said, “We’re excited to bring this incredible variety to our customers to take the tears out of meal prep. I’ve heard all sorts of stories about how people avoid tears when cutting onions – whether that’s wearing glasses, freezing onions or wearing a mask.
“These Happy Chop – Tearless Onions stand out as a unique innovation in Australian produce. Onions are a household staple, and this is a great option for many people who end up in tears when preparing onions. It’s another way we continue to deliver on our promise to bring the best fresh fruit and veg to our customers,” Mr Turner said.
Happy Chop – Tearless Onions are 100% Australian-grown exclusively for Woolworths.
They are available in 500g packs in Woolworths Supermarkets in NSW, Victoria and the ACT between July and September 2023, while stocks last.
