'Political folklore': Tony Abbott still has an eye for a good-looking onion

His onion-munching exploits as prime minister during a visit in Tasmania in 2015 raised eyebrows across the nation.

During a visit to Burnie in the north-west of the state on April 30 Mr Abbott acknowledged the moment had "entered Australian political folklore".

"I understand the onion has been preserved and is live and well," he told assembled media.

He showed he had retained his interest in onions during a sit-down interview with The Advocate that followed his media event at South Burnie Beach.

Mr Abbott has had some eventful visits to Tasmania, including the onion incident and being assaulted in Hobart.

"Well, it's pretty varied, I've got to say," he said when asked about his predominant memories of Tasmania.

" ... both of the occasions that you mentioned happened here in this beautiful island.

"I've also had a couple of wonderful holidays to Tasmania over the years.

"Look, I've got good memories of Tassie.

"I've never lived here, but it's a wonderful place to visit, and I would encourage every Australian who hasn't as yet been to Tassie to come on down and make the most of the place."

Mr Abbott was presented with an onion at that point in the chat.

"The famous onion, it came out of the machine with all of the skin taken off it," he recalled.

"This one has just got a little bit too much skin on it for me to munch.

"But I've got to say that without the skin, nicely cut up, it would be a beautiful addition to a salad, and we all love a good Aussie salad, including a bit of raw onion."

Mr Abbott was Liberal prime minister from 2013-15.

He was an MHR from 1994 until 2019 and opposition leader from 2009-13.