Best Maid Pickle

Best Maid Pickle: Our Story

In 1924, in the small rural town of Mansfield, Texas, Mildred Dalton was working diligently in her kitchen, baking pastries and pies for her family. Her husband, Jesse Otis Dalton, operated a modest one-room grocery store in Fort Worth, Texas. Life was not easy, and with three young children to care for, the Daltons needed to find ways to bring in extra income. Mildred’s kitchen creations began to provide a small source of additional income, as she sent her pastries and pies with Jesse to sell in his grocery store.

Turning Leftover Egg Yolks Into a Business Opportunity

Mildred’s kitchen work led to an unexpected twist in their story. As she made her pastries, she used many egg whites for meringues but found herself with an excess of egg yolks. Rather than waste them, Mildred decided to put the yolks to use and started making homemade mayonnaise for her family. Little did she know, this small kitchen experiment would have a lasting impact. The mayonnaise she crafted quickly became a favorite among family, friends, and neighbors, soon becoming a hit at Jesse’s store in Fort Worth. The word spread quickly, and soon enough, the Daltons had a steady stream of customers requesting more.

A Growing Demand and the Need for Pickles

Mildred’s mayonnaise became such a sensation that it soon outgrew the small-scale kitchen operation. Inspired by the success of her mayonnaise, Mildred took things a step further and began experimenting with a homemade sandwich spread to complement her mayo. This new spread, however, required pickle relish as a key ingredient. Initially, the Daltons sourced the relish from an outside supplier, but as demand grew, the supplier’s prices skyrocketed, leaving the Daltons in a bind. Rather than let high prices derail their growing business, Jesse and Mildred took matters into their own hands.

The Birth of Best Maid Pickle

In a bold move, the Daltons decided to plant a pickle patch in their own garden to grow the cucumbers needed for their relish. The harvest that followed was more abundant than they could have imagined, and with the surplus of cucumbers, they began making their own pickles. Soon, the Daltons were not only producing their famous homemade mayonnaise but also packing and selling their delicious pickles. What started as a necessity soon became the foundation for the Best Maid Pickle brand.

A Legacy of Flavor and Quality

Best Maid Pickle quickly became a household name in Fort Worth and beyond. From humble beginnings, the Daltons had created a product that was beloved by many. The commitment to quality, flavor, and family traditions that started in their kitchen continued as the brand grew. Over the years, Best Maid Pickle has become a symbol of authenticity, care, and the hardworking spirit that the Daltons embodied from the very beginning. What started with a decision to use leftover egg yolks and grow a small patch of cucumbers has blossomed into one of Texas’ most cherished pickle brands, still offering the same great flavor and quality that Mildred and Jesse Dalton first made with love and care.

From Small Beginnings to Regional Success

Today, Best Maid Pickle is not only a symbol of Fort Worth’s rich heritage but also a beloved product enjoyed by generations of customers. Despite its growth, the brand has stayed true to its roots, continuing to offer high-quality pickles and preserves made with the same passion and dedication that Mildred and Jesse poured into their kitchen all those years ago. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or on the shelves of local stores, Best Maid Pickle has become a staple in many households, representing the best of Texas food culture and tradition.