How heritage rice comes to life.
At White House Farms, rice isn’t grown by machines alone. It’s grown by land, water, and time. Our tidal fields follow a centuries-old Lowcountry method that produces rice unlike anything else in America.
How heirloom rice comes to life.
At White House Farms, rice isn’t grown by machines alone. It’s grown by land, water, and time. Our tidal fields follow a centuries-old Lowcountry method that produces rice unlike anything else in America.
ABOUT
The Tidal Irrigation System
Our rice fields connect to tidal creeks through a living irrigation system built long before modern pumps.
1.
High Tide → Fields Fill
As the tide rises, fresh creek water flows into the paddies.
2.
Water Nourishes the Crop
The slow flood supports growth, keeps the soil cool, and helps manage weeds naturally.
3.
Low Tide → Fields Drain
When the tide falls, water drains back out, refreshing the fields without over-saturating them.
4.
Repeat, All Season Long
This natural rhythm creates a healthy growing environment and a flavor tied to the Lowcountry.
This is Rice Farming, in Rhythm with the Coast.
The Historic Trunk Gates
Trunk gates are the heart of tidal rice farming. These wooden gates control the flow of water into and out of each field.
They let us guide the tide with precision — opening to flood at the right moment, closing to hold water, and releasing to drain.
Each gate is part of a system passed down through generations. Restoring them was essential to restoring tidal rice itself.
Lowcountry Terroir
The flavor of heirloom rice comes from where it grows.
Our fields sit in peaty Lowcountry soil, mineral-rich from centuries of tidal flow. The coastal water, warm sun, and slow seasonal changes create a growing environment that gives our rice its aroma, texture, and depth.
This is why Charleston Gold and other heritage varieties taste the way they do. Not just because of the seed, but because of this place.
Terroir isn’t just for wine — it’s for rice, too.
The Seasonal Cycle From Planting to Harvest
Early Spring
– Field Prep –
We repair levees, prepare the soil, and set the system for the season ahead.
Late Spring
– Planting –
Seed goes into the paddies as temperatures rise.
Summer
– Growing Season –
Tidal flooding and draining continues as the stalks strengthen and mature.
Late Summer
– Grain Filling –
The rice heads form and the grains develop. This is when flavor deepens.
Early Fall
– Harvest –
We harvest carefully, preserving the integrity of every grain.
Early Fall
– Drying & Milling –
Rice is dried, rested, and milled in small batches to maintain freshness and quality.