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Florida’s kitchens are getting a zesty upgrade thanks to a secret weapon born in one local woman’s backyard. Big Mama’s Calamondin Vinaigrette isn’t your average salad dressing – it’s a burst of sunshine in a bottle, crafted with love and fresh-picked flavor.
This isn’t just another grocery store find. Big Mama’s story starts over 40 years ago when Lois Marks, aka Big Mama, tired of bland and unhealthy dressings and decided to create her own. Inspired by her vibrant Pinecrest garden, she whipped up a vinaigrette that wowed family and friends. Little did she know, it would become a surprise sensation.
In 2020, Big Mama’s son, Ethan Shapiro, posted a picture on Facebook of a batch of freshly made dressing, sparking unexpected curiosity. In 2021, Ethan saw the potential and told his mother, “Let me see how far I can take this.” He designed a label, built a website, and in 2022 secured the necessary licenses to sell the dressing commercially. Their initial batch of three dozen bottles sold out in a day and a half, with the next batch disappearing just as quickly.
This overwhelming response led Ethan to leave his corporate job and dedicate himself to Big Mama’s Backyard Garden full-time. Today, the company boasts nearly 8,000 bottles sold, online orders to 49 of 50 states (still waiting on Alaska), and a presence in 12 retail and grocery stores across Florida including Milam’s Markets. Sales grew 306% in 2023 as more people encountered their locally-made vinaigrette at Pinecrest Gardens Farmer’s Market and Wayside Market on 57th avenue.
“Once people try our dressing, they’re hooked,” says Ethan. “That’s why you might have seen us holding sample events at Milam’s and other locations around town.” According to Milam’s, their Calamondin Vinaigrette is one of the top 5 best sellers for salad dressing. You can find it in the refrigerated salad dressing section of the produce area “because it’s all fresh with no preservatives,” according to Ethan. Big Mama adds, “Our relationship with the Milam’s family has been amazing. Their support for locally made products is critical for small businesses like ours.”
So, what’s the magic ingredient? “It’s the Calamondin,” according to Big Mama. Calamondin, also known as Calamansi, is a tiny citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia with a flavor as big as Florida itself. “It tastes like a cross between a lime and a tangerine,” says Big Mama. Nearly 40 years ago, a generous neighbor shared their abundant Calamondin citrus with Big Mama, igniting her passion for this unique fruit. Many Miami natives remember having this fruit in their backyards growing up. It’s not as common these days.
The versatility of their gluten-free, vegan dressing that has no added sugar or preservatives extends far beyond salads. It’s a perfect marinade for fish, chicken, or steak, and can also be used as a vegetable dip, sandwich spread, or even a creative cocktail ingredient. Adam Hellman, whose family adores the dressing, likes to say, “A South Florida fridge isn’t complete without a bottle of Big Mama’s.” The company website bigmamafoods.com offers over 30 inventive ways to incorporate Big Mama’s Calamondin Vinaigrette into your culinary creations.
Big Mama’s Backyard Garden remains a true family affair. Big Mama and Ethan collaborate on preparing the vinaigrette, while the younger generation helps with writing personalized gift notes. In fact, the “Chief Tester” is Big Mama’s 8-year-old granddaughter! Hence the motto: Made with Love…Tested on Grandchildren.
Big Mama’s Backyard Garden isn’t slowing down. They’re whipping up brand new flavors like Ginger Lime Vinaigrette, a tropical Passionfruit Citrus concoction and even Big Mama’s take on Caesar dressing. Big Mama herself insists: “If it can’t thrive in my backyard, it has no place in our bottle!” Stay tuned, Miami – even more delicious surprises are on the way from this local favorite.
For more information about Big Mama’s Backyard Garden, please visit www.bigmamafoods.com.
