From tidal fields to your table.

Here’s what makes heirloom rice different, why it tastes better, how to cook it, and how to choose the right variety for every meal.

What is Heirloom Rice?
Cook Perfect Rice
Nutrition & Health
Rice Myths

Heirloom rice refers to historic rice varieties that were grown for generations before modern commodity rice took over the market.

These grains were selected for their flavor, aroma, and performance in the kitchen, not for speed or mass production.

At White House Farms, we grow heirloom rice in coastal South Carolina using a traditional tidal-field system that relies on the natural rise and fall of the river. It’s a method rooted in Lowcountry history — and it produces rice with unmatched depth of flavor.

  • Historically Grown — Lowcountry rice tradition dating back centuries
  • Flavor-First — naturally aromatic, chef-loved, and distinct
  • Single Estate — grown, milled, and packed on one farm

This isn’t just rice — it’s a living piece of Lowcountry food culture.

Heirloom grains, like ours, cook differently.

Heirloom white rice cooks a little differently than grocery-store white rice — mostly because the grains are whole, aromatic, and less processed. The good news: once you learn the baseline, you can cook any of our varieties like a pro.

Directions:
  1. Rinse — Give the rice a good rinse in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Use the right ratio — Start with 1 cup rice : 1¾ cups water.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil — then reduce to low and cover.
  4. Cook low and slow — 15 minutes depending on variety.
  5. Rest 5–10 minutes off heat — then fluff with a fork.

Quick tips:
  • Don’t stir while cooking.
  • Keep the lid on.
  • If you want extra tenderness, add a splash more water during simmer.

Want a tested recipe that uses this method?

Grown in mineral-rich tidal fields and milled in small batches preserves the nutritional integrity of the rice grain.

Because we don’t overly process the grain, heritage rice keeps more of what makes it good for you...and better to eat.

  • Naturally Gluten-Free
  • Lower Glycemic Impact than many commodity rices
  • More Flavor per Bite — so you don’t need to over-season
  • Clean Growing Environment with careful land stewardship

We grow rice the way it’s been grown here for centuries — with patience, care, and respect for the land.

Myth 1 — All rice tastes basically the same, right?
Not even close! Variety, growing conditions, and processing change everything. Heritage rice is selected for aroma and flavor — that’s why chefs seek it out.

Myth 2 — Rice needs constant flooding to grow.
Our tidal rice system uses natural river tides to water the fields. It’s a historic Lowcountry method that’s efficient and sustainable.

Myth 3 — Expensive rice is just branding.
Heirloom rice is grown on a single estate, harvested and milled in small batches, and preserved through careful, hands-on methods. You’re paying for taste, tradition, and stewardship — not hype.

Myth 4 — White rice is always less healthy.
Processing matters more than color. Minimally processed, small-batch white heritage rice can have a different nutritional profile than mass-produced commodity white rice.

Myth 5 — If I mess up rice once, I’ll always mess it up.
Heirloom rice is forgiving — use the baseline ratio, keep the lid on, and let it rest. You’ll nail it.

Meet Our Varieties

Charleston Gold Rice

The signature Lowcountry grain — aromatic, versatile, and beloved by chefs. A modern revival of Carolina Gold tradition.

Charleston Gold Brown Rice

A newer cross inspired by historic Carolina Gold, grown right here in our tidal fields with rich aroma and balance.

Charleston Gold Rice Grits

A newer cross inspired by historic Carolina Gold, grown right here in our tidal fields with rich aroma and balance.

Variety Bundle

Try a few varieties and find your favorite.