August 2019 Faulkner Lifestyle Magazine

The fourth course served during the recent farm-to-table five-course dinner at
WunderHaus was the Purple Rice Risotto with Prosecco and Butter Poached
Langoustine Lobster, Roasted Kohlrabi and Purple Basil Oil.
Variations of rice grown include basmati,
jasmine, traditional southern long grain,
and nature’s blend, as well as the farm’s
new varieties of aromatic purple and red.
Aromatic purple and red and traditional
southern long grain are planted as blends in
the field and are also harvested as blends.
When asked which type she prefers,
Robin shares, “My favorites would be
our aromatic purple and red, due to the
high anti-oxidant levels they contain, as
well as the crazy good flavor and texture.
Cornell University published a research
paper giving details about the properties
and benefits of these varieties. I’m also in
love with our rice grits we’re starting to
come online with, which are made from
our golden and nature’s blend! But, you
know, I’m really kind of in awe of the
jasmine and basmati too.”
Ralston Family Farms enjoys a number
of fruitful partnerships. In fact, the
company partners with over 2,200 stores
nationwide (complete list at RalstonFamilyFarms.com).
“We are extremely proud
and grateful that we provide Conway
Public Schools, as well as other state and
private schools, with our golden rice,”
shares Robin. The farm is also the sole
provider of jasmine rice to Blue Apron.
“We are a true family farm, where we
grow, harvest, mill, and package only the
rice varieties we grow right here on our
farm. We certify all our rice as non-GMO,
gluten free, (the browns are certified
as whole grain), kosher, and Made in
the USA. We grow sustainably and
ecologically for future generations. We
purposefully put a great deal of thought
into which varieties we grow. This is a
great benefit to having a mill where you
only mill what you grow; you can grow
what people really love,” says Robin.
In fact, the farm’s concepts of sustainability
and local sourcing led to a
partnership with Conway restaurant,
WunderHaus. Ralston Family Farms not
only provides their rice, they recently
partnered for a farm-to-table dining
experience, which featured several rice
varieties over its five-course meal, pairing
options, and a subsequent question-andanswer
session.
Of the pairing meal, Robin says,
“Jacqueline, Jason, and Auguste are true
artisans who deeply care and love where
they source the creations they present.
They absolutely walk the talk and carry
forth with the biggest hearts I know.
They don’t just want you to have a
phenomenal meal, which you will have,
they want you to experience, and walk
away with, a memory. We are honored
and grateful to be part of WunderHaus.”
Adds Robin, “Growing up, my family
lived a block away from the restaurant,
on Faulkner Street, so it’s like coming
home when I walk through the doors.”
CONNECT
Ralston Family Farms
321 Atkins Bottom Rd, Atkins
479-857-8435 | 479-857-3790
RalstonFamilyFarms.com
RalstonFamilyFarms@gmail.com
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