Silver Spring Foods, Inc., is the world's largest grower and producer of horseradish.[1] Founded in 1929, the company is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and also produces an assortment of sauces and mustards. The company was incorporated in 1949 as Silver Spring Gardens.[2]
History
In 1929, Ellis Huntsinger started growing horseradish and other crops in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In the early days, he prepared and bottled horseradish by hand. By 1937, Ellis had industrialized his farming operation and further commercialized the horseradish business after purchasing Becky Gardens and renaming "Silver Spring Gardens" after a clearwater spring on the property. In 1941, Huntsinger discovered that the addition of dairy cream helped further enhance the flavor, heat, and longevity of prepared horseradish. This discovery helped him expand his horseradish sales to markets throughout the United States. Silver Spring Gardens was incorporated around 1950 by Ellis and his son Eugene Huntsinger along with son-in-law Ed Bartusch.
The company has been family-owned since it began. It is currently owned by Ellis Huntsinger's granddaughter, Nancy Bartusch and her two sons.[3]