The Local Food Companion

This homemade Rosemary Plum Jam is a sweet-tart summer preserve with a herbal twist, and includes simple ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. A touch of rosemary adds depth to the juicy plum flavor, making it perfect for toast, cheese boards, or gifting.

From tart to sweet, yellow to black, plums are one of the oldest and most diverse fruits around. Learn the difference between European and Asian varieties, when Michigan plums are in season, and why you might want to swap your black plum for a golden one.

Michigan’s craft beverage scene isn’t just for alcohol lovers—there’s a whole world of bold, flavorful nonalcoholic (N/A) drinks worth sipping! Zero-proof options are on the menu and full of personality. Cheers to that!

Get inspired by Michigan-based food writer and influencer Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie! From community-powered cooking to top West Michigan food spots and trending high-protein meals, discover how Jawad is making home cooking feel good, simple, and fun.

In Arabic, the word “fattoush” is derived from “fatteh” which literally means “crumbs.” As you can imagine, this Fattoush Salad is basically a hodgepodge of pita bread that’s been seasoned then fried (or baked) in addition to other vegetables that are in season.

Celebrate 15 years of local pride at the Buy Michigan Now Festival in Downtown South Lyon, August 1–3! This free, family-friendly event highlights Michigan-made goods, tasty local eats, vintage cars, Michigan authors, live music, and more. From axe throwing to foam parties, there’s something for everyone.

Featuring peak-season tomatillos, apricots, and serrano chiles, this recipe is delicious with chips or as a bright, zesty topping for grilled meats, tacos, or seafood. Whether you’re planning a cookout or spicing up your snack game, this fresh salsa is your go-to seasonal recipe for a taste of summer in every bite.

Wrapped in papery husks and ranging from green to purple, tomatillos are easy to grow, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. Learn how to grow, store, and source local tomatillos near you—plus how to pronounce “tomatillo” like a pro—in this guide to these salsa verde stars in Michigan.

Source your matcha from Michigan’s own Arbor Teas for this delicious and easy ice cream recipe.

Celebrate fresh, local fruit with this seasonal dessert, which includes cherries soaked in local whiskey.