
Marsh Hen Mill Grits at the Pond Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast. Photo: Pond Mountain Inn
Grits: A South Carolina Culinary Staple
In South Carolina, grits aren’t just a side dish; they’re a way of life. With roots stretching back to the Native American tribes who first ground maize into coarse meal, grits have become a defining feature of Southern cuisine. Whether served simply with butter or elevated with shrimp, cheese, or bacon, grits are a comforting dish that has stood the test of time. Across the Palmetto State, you’ll find grits on breakfast menus in diners, lunch specials in Lowcountry cafes, and fine dining establishments, where chefs craft gourmet takes on the classic dish.
One of the best ways to enjoy grits is the traditional Shrimp and Grits recipe. It’s a hearty combination of creamy grits topped with plump shrimp cooked in a savory sauce of bacon, garlic, and lemon. For a quick and delicious meal at home, try the following simple grits recipe:
Basic Grits Recipe
- 1 cup Marsh Hen Mill stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water (or a mix of water and milk for creamier grits)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- Bring the water to a boil, add salt, and slowly stir in the grits.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter, and for extra flavor, add cheese, bacon bits, or hot sauce.
Marsh Hen Mill: Crafting Authentic Southern Grits
Nestled on Edisto Island, just outside of Charleston, Marsh Hen Mill (formerly known as Geechie Boy Mill) is one of South Carolina’s most cherished producers of stone-ground grits. The story of Marsh Hen Mill began with Greg and Betsy Johnsman, who combined their family’s farming heritage and Greg’s lifelong fascination with milling to create a thriving business. Greg learned the art of milling from a third-generation miller, Jack Brock, during his childhood in the Upstate. Betsy, having grown up farming on the sea islands, brought her own agricultural expertise to the partnership.

Their journey officially started in 2007 when Greg discovered a 1945 grits mill and separator in Saluda, South Carolina. After restoring the equipment, the couple began milling grits on weekends, and soon their passion project blossomed into Marsh Hen Mill, supplying homes and top restaurants across the state with authentic, high-quality grits.
Beyond producing grits, Marsh Hen Mill also mills cornmeal, rice, and heirloom grains like freekeh and farro, known for their rich flavors and nutritional benefits. Each product is carefully crafted using traditional stone-grinding methods, resulting in textures and flavors that are second to none.
What Sets Marsh Hen Mill Apart?
Quality and Tradition: The grits at Marsh Hen Mill are stone-ground from heirloom corn varieties, ensuring they retain their natural oils and robust flavor. They carefully set their stones to create a grind just shy of coarse, giving the grits a creamy consistency without losing the hearty texture.
Unique Colors: Marsh Hen Mill offers an array of grits in vibrant colors, like pink and blue, all derived naturally from the corn varietals they use. Adding a dash of lemon juice can enhance the color further, making these grits a visual and culinary delight.
Commitment to Craftsmanship: Every product is made with attention to detail. Whether it’s the difference between white and yellow grits (white grits are sweeter, yellow grits have more oil), or the distinction between Southern dent corn and flint corn, Marsh Hen Mill emphasizes authenticity and education about their products.

Grits vs. Polenta
Although grits and polenta are similar in that both are made from ground corn, they differ in the type of corn used and the grinding process. Grits are traditionally made from dent corn, which is softer and starchier, while polenta is typically made from flint corn, known for its firm texture. Grits are often separated during milling to produce various textures like coarse grits, fine cornmeal, and corn flour. Polenta, on the other hand, is often a whole-grain grind that includes all parts of the corn kernel.
Grits and South Carolina Culture
Grits are more than just a dish; they’re a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. Whether they’re served at a family gathering or a Lowcountry boil, they bring people together. In South Carolina, festivals celebrating local cuisine often feature grits prominently, showcasing how integral they are to the state’s culinary identity.
Marsh Hen Mill embodies this connection to heritage and community. Although they aren’t offering tours due to COVID-19 concerns, their products remain a staple for those who value high-quality, local food. Whether it’s their blue grits, perfect for a vibrant shrimp and grits dish, or their finely ground cornmeal for cornbread, Marsh Hen Mill continues to bring authentic flavors to tables across South Carolina and beyond.

Exploring More Local Favorites
For those who want to dive deeper into Southern cooking, Marsh Hen Mill also offers heirloom grains like farro and freekeh, providing a unique twist on traditional recipes. Their rice and benne (sesame) products add diversity to the Lowcountry pantry, allowing home cooks and chefs alike to create dishes that reflect the rich agricultural history of South Carolina.
Whether you’re a long-time grits lover or new to the Southern staple, trying products from Marsh Hen Mill is a must. Not only will you taste the difference in quality, but you’ll also be supporting a local business deeply rooted in South Carolina’s farming and culinary traditions.
For more information on Marsh Hen Mill’s products, visit their market on Edisto Island or explore their offerings online. And next time you sit down to enjoy a bowl of creamy grits, remember that you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition, lovingly preserved by mills like Marsh Hen Mill.
Mailing Address and Contact Information
Marsh Hen Mill
2995 Highway 174
Edisto Island, SC 29438
Phone: 843-603-0074
Roadside Market Hours
Sunday 10AM–5PM
Monday 10AM–5PM
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
Thursday 10AM–5PM
Friday 10AM–5PM
Saturday 10AM–5PM
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