Cool video. How man of you know a Black man created Ranch Dressing?
Steve Henson and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing – via Facebook
*Ranch dressing is a staple in American households, but its origins are often overlooked. Many don’t know that this iconic condiment was created by
Kenneth “
Steve“
Henson, a Black man whose ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit transformed a simple recipe into a cultural phenomenon.
Born
in Thayer, Nebraska, in 1918, Henson’s journey from a plumbing contractor to the creator of
Hidden Valley Ranch is a story of resilience, creativity, and groundbreaking success. Here’s how a Black man’s culinary innovation became a cornerstone of American cuisine.
Steve Henson’s story begins in 1949 when he moved to Alaska to work as a plumbing contractor. As a Black man in a predominantly white industry, Henson faced challenges, but he used his resourcefulness to thrive. To keep his work crews happy, he took on the role of cook, experimenting with recipes to make meals more enjoyable.
During this time, he created the original ranch dressing—a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a mix of herbs and spices.
This simple yet flavorful dressing was designed to make vegetables more appealing to his crew, and it quickly became a hit. Little did Henson know, this creation would one day become a national sensation.
After retiring from plumbing at the age of 35, Henson and his wife, Gayle, moved to California. In 1954, they purchased a 120-acre ranch
in Santa Barbara County, renaming it
Hidden Valley Ranch. As a Black entrepreneur, Henson turned the property into a guest ranch, where he served his signature dressing to visitors. The dressing became the star attraction, with guests raving about its unique flavor. Word spread quickly, and soon, people were traveling to Hidden Valley Ranch just to taste Henson’s creation. This Black-owned business was not just a ranch—it was the birthplace of a culinary legend.
The demand for Henson’s dressing grew so large that he and Gayle began packaging the dry ingredients into seasoning packets, allowing customers to make the dressing at home. Initially sold at local stores like Kelley’s Korner in Santa Barbara, the dressing’s popularity led to a mail-order business. By the early 1970s, the Hensons were shipping thousands of packets across the country.
In 1972, the business caught the attention of the Clorox Company, which acquired Hidden Valley Ranch for
$8 million. This sale marked a pivotal moment, transforming ranch dressing from a local specialty into a national phenomenon—all thanks to the vision of a Black man.
Today, ranch dressing is one of the most popular condiments in the United States, but its uses extend far beyond salads. It’s a favorite dip for vegetables, pizza, chicken wings, and more. Steve Henson’s creation has become a cultural icon, embodying the spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship. As a Black man in the mid-20th century, Henson broke barriers and left an indelible mark on the culinary world. His story is a testament to how a simple idea, born out of necessity and creativity, can transform into a lasting legacy.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing