Ranch dressing is America’s favorite condiment. Whether you’re dipping chicken wings, drizzling it over a salad, or drowning your pizza in it, ranch is everywhere. But have you ever stopped to wonder about its true origins? Who really influenced this creamy, tangy dressing we can’t seem to get enough of?
In honor of Black History Month, we’re diving into the hidden history of ranch dressing and the overlooked contributions of Black culinary innovators in shaping some of America’s most iconic flavors.
The Official Story of Ranch Dressing
According to mainstream food history, ranch dressing was invented by Steve Henson, a plumber from Nebraska who created the recipe while working in Alaska in the 1950s. He later moved to California, where he and his wife started Hidden Valley Ranch, the brand that would go on to dominate the market.
It’s a great story—but is it the whole story?
The Influence of Black Culinary Traditions
While Henson is credited with creating the modern version of ranch, the flavor profile of the dressing is deeply rooted in Southern cooking traditions—traditions that were heavily shaped by Black chefs and enslaved cooks.
The Buttermilk Connection
Ranch’s signature tang comes from buttermilk, a key ingredient in traditional Southern dishes. Black cooks were masters of buttermilk-based dressings and dips, using them in dishes long before ranch dressing became a household name. Buttermilk was often mixed with herbs, vinegar, and other seasonings to create flavorful sauces for meats, vegetables, and salads.
Herbs and Spices from African and Southern Traditions
Many of the seasonings in ranch—garlic, onion, dill, and parsley—have deep roots in African and Southern American cuisine. Enslaved cooks and early Black chefs perfected the art of seasoning, creating balanced, flavorful blends that would later be commercialized in mainstream American cooking.
The Hidden Contributions of Black Chefs
Throughout American history, Black chefs have been the backbone of Southern cuisine, yet their contributions have often been erased or overshadowed. Who was really making the first buttermilk dressings? Who was experimenting with herbs and creamy sauces long before ranch became a brand?
The truth is, ranch dressing—like so many other American food staples—likely owes much more to Black culinary traditions than history gives credit for.
Why Don’t We Hear About These Contributions?
The food industry has a long history of overlooking Black contributions while celebrating and commercializing recipes when they become mainstream. Just like barbecue, soul food, and even whiskey, ranch dressing’s true origins are more complex than the “official” story suggests.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize and honor the influence of Black chefs, whose innovations have shaped the flavors we love today.
Final Thoughts
Ranch dressing may be delicious, but its history is more than just Hidden Valley—it’s a story of cultural influence, forgotten chefs, and a food industry that has often ignored Black culinary pioneers.
So the next time you dip your fries into ranch, remember: there’s a hidden history behind every bite.
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