As part of the Local Roots mission, the market not only promotes the joys and benefits of eating seasonally but also works with other locally-owned businesses to make local food more accessible. For these reasons, Local Roots is teaming up with Today’s Kitchen Store to begin offering cooking classes that help you make the most of local produce in season.

The first Local Roots class to be held at Today’s Kitchen Store will occur on Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. as Jennifer McMullen (The Grain Maker) shares the “Summertime Blues.” Blueberries come into season locally in July, and if you think these antioxidant- and vitamin-packed little fruits are just for pancakes, muffins, or snacking, you’ll discover how their rich flavor contributes to other dishes, from soup to salad to dessert.

On Wednesday, July 13, at 6 p.m., Karen Geiser (Karen’s Garden Delights) offers an introductory class on “Edible Flowers.” She will bring samples of various edible flowers and demonstrate how to incorporate them into a trio of seasonal dishes. Geiser will also have copies of her book Local Choices available for purchase.

Both classes are $18 plus tax, and registration and pre-payment must be done at Today’s Kitchen Store, 116 South Market Street, Wooster. Visit www.todayskitchenstore.com for a full listing of cooking classes, including future Local Roots seasonal cooking classes.

As a year-round market for locally-produced foods and other agricultural products, Local Roots Market is located at 140 S. Walnut St. in Wooster. The market is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is not required to shop. To learn more about weekly news and events at the market, visit the website at www.localrootswooster.com and sign up for the newsletter.