A Guide to the Best of Southern California : PLACES : Family Business

IT’S THE MARMALADE that’s kept the Ward ranch going for nearly 100 years. Located in Sierra Madre, the Ward Ranch is a slice of country hidden away in the midst of a bustling city. From the dirt driveway, you can catch a glimpse of an authentic old red barn flanked by orange groves. The old-fashioned store represents the four-generations-old family business: marmalade.

All the cooking is done on-site, and although “some companies use corn syrup,” says E. Waldo Ward Jr., “we use only sugar.” Orange marmalade ($2.55 for a 10-ounce jar) is the ranch specialty, but for the adventurous palate, there’s ginger marmalade, port-wine jelly, guava jam and kiwi preserves as well as such condiments as seafood sauce, chili sauce and zucchini relish. Tours are conducted by appointment.

E. Waldo Ward & Son, 273 E. Highland Ave., Sierra Madre; (818) 355-1218.