Strange Truth About Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing More People Should Be Aware Of
Love it or hate it, ranch dressing has become a pantry staple. It seems to pop up as a dipping accompaniment on nearly every menu, and nearly every food pairs perfectly with that rich, creamy sauce. But where exactly did the idea behind the iconic salad dressing come from? The answer might just surprise even the biggest ranch-heads.
More For The Hardcore
Foodies slather ranch on salad and pizza, and according to some fans, it might not be a bad idea to take a raw shot of the stuff from time to time! Recently, people have come out of the woodwork to flaunt their love of the classic dressing. There are even places online where you can buy merchandise showcasing your ranch passion! But they're only scratching the surface.
Where Did It All Begin?
Even with all these ranch-loving maniacs around the world today, do any of them really know the backstory behind their beloved condiment? Chances are most of them haven't a clue. Luckily, Michael Redmon, a historian from Santa Barbara, California, was more than happy to flesh out the details.
Meet Steve Henson
According to Redmon, ranch dressing came from the mind of a man named Steve Henson, who grew up in the small town of Thayer, Nebraska. Thayer offered a quiet and tranquil life, which Henson and his family were comfortable with. However, all that changed in 1918 when Henson was 16 years old.
Escaping The Depression
The Great Depression struck the country like a wrecking ball. So, Henson jumped a train to California, where he worked menial jobs until relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife Gayle in 1949. At the young age of 35, Henson was able to retire thanks to a lucrative plumbing career, and the couple moved down to Santa Barbara, California.
