Ranch dressing, a beloved staple in American cuisine, has a rich and intriguing history that traces back to the 1940s. It all began with Steve Henson, a plumber and contract worker, who found himself in the remote Alaskan bush. Faced with the challenge of keeping his crew’s meals interesting, Henson concocted a dressing known for its creamy texture and flavorful blend of herbs. This creation would soon become a culinary legend for food lovers around the nation!
The Birth of Hidden Valley Ranch
In 1954, Steve Henson and his wife Gayle moved to California, where they purchased a ranch near Santa Barbara, aptly named Hidden Valley Ranch. They opened a guest ranch and served Henson’s dressing to their guests. The creamy, tangy dressing quickly became a hit, prompting the Hensons to start a mail-order business to meet growing demand.
By the 1960s, the Hensons were selling a dry seasoning mix that allowed customers to recreate the dressing at home by adding mayonnaise and buttermilk. This mix became incredibly popular, laying the foundation for what would become a booming industry.
Commercial Success and Expansion
The turning point for ranch dressing came in 1972 when the Hensons sold the Hidden Valley Ranch brand to the Clorox Company for $8 million. Clorox improved the dressing’s shelf stability and expanded its market reach, ensuring that ranch dressing was readily available in grocery stores across the country.
The 1980s and 1990s saw an explosion in the popularity of ranch dressing. It surpassed Italian dressing to become the best-selling salad dressing in the United States by 1992. Its versatility made it more than just a salad dressing; it became a favored dip for vegetables, chicken wings, pizza, and French fries.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Ranch dressing’s impact extends beyond the culinary world. It has inspired a wide range of products, from ranch-flavored snacks to seasonings and even novelty items like ranch soda. Its ubiquity has made it a symbol of American comfort food, cherished for its ability to enhance the flavor of almost any dish.
The Sandwich Shop | Nashua Restaurants
Whether you’re craving delicious subs or something else, you’ll be able to find plenty of mouthwatering food options at The Sandwich Shop. To discover all of our menu options, check out our online menu or stop in for a bite to eat!
