Discover our Local Sugar Alternatives - Honey, Maple, and Sorghum!

HONEY –
Whenever I come across Hippocrates’ famous words, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”, honey always comes to mind. And not just any honey, but pure, raw, local honey that’s never been heated, filtered, or adulterated in any way!

The medicinal properties of honey have been touted for thousands of years… antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal… the research is limitless and fascinating! An indispensable part of many home medicine cabinets, it is also a vital ingredient in natural over-the-counter syrups and homemade remedies.

And everyone knows honey is delicious, whether as a topping, a baking ingredient, when cooking, or to simply sneak a spoonful… what an energy boost!

SORGHUM –
My husband is from Kentucky where sorghum is drizzled on everything, from cornbread and biscuits to oatmeal and pancakes… but I’m from Michigan, and had never heard of the stuff until we met – now I don’t know how I lived without it. And sure, sorghum’s tasty, but its health benefits might surprise you – it’s a powerhouse of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals, that are typically lacking in our diets.

Maybe it’s the smokey flavor from being cooked down over the woodfire – maybe it’s the earthy tang that lends a uniqueness to our almost every meal – but it’s my “something special” in BBQ, baked beans, chili, salad dressing, and our only additive to oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream… Add sorghum when frying sliced apples and you don’t need anything else! Love sugary sweet potatoes or carrots? Try sorghum instead, and you’ll do your health, as well as your taste buds, a favor!

MAPLE –
Who isn’t familiar with the treat of maple syrup on pancakes, waffles or biscuits? A natural and nutritious sweetener, maple is a go-to choice when you’re in need of a sweet topping… but have you ever tried it when cooking or baking? That hint of maple when baked in breads or cookies is incredible – what about maple buttercream frosting? And if you haven’t tried Marilyn’s yummy confections at the farmer’s market, you’ve missed out on the perfect crunchy, sweet snack!

This versatile sweetener can transform ordinary roasted chicken, beef brisket, or pork ribs into a meal fit for a king – or your in-laws! And maple syrup paired with bacon is an incredible combination, whether with salad, veggies, or eggs!

A good source of vitamins and mineral nutrients, don’t overlook maple as a healthful alternative to conventional sugar, which has no nutritive value!