Cappadona Ranch: Mesquite, Memory, and Making Something Good

If you grew up in South Texas, you already know the mesquite tree. It is shade when there is not much shade, smoke on a Saturday cookout, and thorns sharp enough to teach you not to run around barefoot. Around here, mesquite is part of the landscape and part of our stories.

Victoria and Justin Cappadona saw that and ran with it. What started as a family ranch in Hidalgo County has grown into a small business built on imagination, grit, and a whole lot of South Texas pride. Instead of treating mesquite like something you mow around or curse when you get a flat tire, they turned it into something useful and delicious. They grind mesquite pods into flour, make syrup and jelly, and create lotions, scrubs, teas, and pantry staples that come straight from the land.

Victoria talks about the ranch with real love. For her, this is family, memory, and heritage. She grew up here, learned to appreciate what grows naturally, and decided

to share that with others. Justin brings the steady hand every family business needs. He handles ranch operations and keeps everything moving while still dreaming big. Together, they show that great ideas can come from right where you stand.

We are proud to carry Cappadona Ranch products in our Museum Store, and we love sharing their story with visitors. Their mesquite mixers will also be featured at our next Evening with FRIENDS event on December 4, which feels just right. When guests sip those cocktails, they will enjoy a little taste of South Texas, literally and figuratively.

Museums tell stories in many ways. Sometimes it is an exhibit case or a photograph. Other times, it is a family that looks at the land around them and says, “We can make something good out of this.” That is what the Cappadonas are doing, and we are grateful for their partnership and their heart for this region.