Photography by SARA REEVES
Ben Bell recalls the moment that brought Origami Sake to life. It was a chance encounter with a unique sake bottle that he tried and thought, “Since Arkansas is the ‘rice state’ – why not bring sake production here?” He spent two years in Hanamaki, Japan working as a sake brewer and returned with the skills + knowledge to make this vision a reality. In partnership with Matt Bell, Isbell Farms and Ouachita Mountains water – Origami Sake introduces this 100% Arkansas made product and a rediscovery of sake in America.
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Arkansas Rice – Ralston Family Farms
Photography by HANS STIRITZ
With a lineage of ten generations, the Ralston family considers farming more than just a job; it’s a calling. The land is situated in the beautiful Arkansas River Valley – offering unique varieties of single-batch artisanal rice and guaranteeing unparalleled quality. The vertical operations ensure complete traceability, accounting for every step of the farm-to-table journey.
With a commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices, Ralston Family Farms makes improving the soil conditions and addressing climate change a priority. This translates into healthier land and stronger communities. Today, there are three generations of the Ralston family working with this shared vision. Through Robin and Tim’s careful oversight and commitment to excellence, this legacy continues.
The farm recently received recognition as a Regenified Tier 1 Verified farm – one of few farms in the United States – with plans to incorporate a 20-acre solar farm to harness the power of sunshine and provide a sustainable energy source for the state-of-the-art rice milling facility, computerized grain storage and electric pumps in the field.
Arkansas Rice – Ben E. Keith Foods
Photography by SARAH ODEN | Shot on location at RADUNO | Featuring BEN E. KEITH FOODS Marketing Specialist Caroline Webre for CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
A proud provider of premier products to restaurants, Ben E. Keith Foods believes service is culture. For more than a century, the company has supplied food and beverage items to Arkansas businesses coupled with a civic responsibility to support + partner with local communities. The team engages in activities coordinated by Ben E. Keith Foods as well as events organized for countless nonprofit organizations. As a result, partnerships throughout Central Arkansas are building a brighter future for all Arkansans.
Raduno will host a happy hour on Wednesday, September 13, for Finest Honoree Caroline – proceeds support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Caroline’s personal contribution of time, energy and resources. The evening will feature Luxe Lotus, crafted with Origami Sake, in special recognition of National Rice Month.
Arkansas Rice – Isbell Farms
Photography by SARA REEVES
Isbell Farms is a multi-generational family rice farm in Humnoke, Arkansas. The vision to “simply do the right thing and do it well” is an integral part of the culture and future of business. Today, it’s often referred to as sustainability – as a steward of the land, Isbell Farms considers this a civic responsibility. Simply stated, the focus of Isbell Farms is Family, Innovation, and Sustainability.
Isbell Farms grows many rice varieties, including long, medium, and short grains. With more than 70 years of experience, Isbell Farms shifted focus to cultivating more unique varieties like sake rice. Recognized as the first to produce sake rice in the Western Hemisphere, Isbell Farms grows century-old varieties such as the king of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki, as well as Omachi, Watari Bune, and Gohyakumangoku. Isbell Farms finds itself situated at almost the identical latitude of Japan’s premiere sake-growing region, the Hyogo prefecture, making it the perfect location to grow these premium sake varieties.
Isbell Farms proudly provides rice to Origami Sake and celebrates the first “field to glass” Arkansas sake.
Arkansas Rice – Riceland
The world’s largest miller and marketer of rice calls Arkansas home. This farmer-owned cooperative stores, processes and transports more than 2.5 million metric tons of grain each year and serves 5,500 farms in Arkansas and Missouri. Generations of farmers that have planted, cultivated and harvested rice reflect the quality promise of Riceland rice. That tradition continues today. The company exports under the Riceland label, private labels, as ingredients and in bulk. These products are consumed across the nation and in more than 75 foreign destinations.
Mexican Brown Rice and Black Bean Salad
Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn, cooked and drained
1 cup cooked Riceland Natural Brown Rice
2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small jalapeno, diced
1 bunch of green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons Riceland Rice Bran Oil
Juice of one lime
1 teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
Preparation
- Cook corn according to package directions.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Mix corn, brown rice, beans, red bell pepper, jalapeno and green onions in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the rice bran oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper.
- Fold dressing into the other ingredients, and top with crumbled cheese.
- Toss all ingredients together and serve.
Arkansas Rice – Lost Forty
Seek. Find. Enjoy.
Photography by SARA REEVES
2nd Rodeo is a premium light beer brewed with just a few simple ingredients including pure + clean Arkansas water and Arkansas rice for a light, crisp brew that’s low in alcohol and refreshing anytime, anyplace. Like the Lost Forty Brewery, history and fun facts – it’s completely Arkansas.