Right now the basil, thyme, and rosemary are particularly plentiful, with both plain and pineapple sage making an appearance. Those available at the market are so sweet they taste as if they've been marinated in syrup. Several Amish farmers have sweet and mild white, yellow, and purple baby onions. Ozarkers like to slice onions, soak them in vinegar, and eat them as a summer salad. A sure sign that the leaves will be changing in the next few weeks, Bartlett pears are brilliant green and almost syrupy in their sweetness.
Local farmers say to expect more varieties soon.
Perhaps the most ubiquitous summer vegetable of the Midwest, summer squash is an Ozark hill-country favorite. The market is awash with these useful vegetables. Green tomatoes are a favorite in this part of the country, battered and fried and served with barbecue or chicken. Large, juicy Beefsteak as well as firm plum tomatoes continue to bring the taste of summer. Black walnuts have an unmistakable flavor that is best when mixed with home-made vanilla ice cream.