Fire up those grates and burn off the old food grease as another grilling season gets under way. Whether it’s a family gathering or a backyard barbecue party, there’s nothing more enjoyable than some roasted fresh vegetables on the grill. 

Before cooking, rub a half of a raw potato on the hot grates to create a non-stick surface. 

You can char-grill all sorts of your favorite veggies. Here is some vegetable market information:

• Sweet Corn: Supplies a bit tight in the Eastern and Western regions due to a strong retailer demand. But supplies will pick up as the summer season volume develops.
• Zucchini and Yellow Squash: There is a steady supply shipping out of Georgia and California. Good quality.
• Asparagus: Steady volume in the West with a Peruvian transition in the East. But the availability remains stable.
• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Sufficient supply is steady with very good quality.
• Bell Peppers: Good quality on green, red and yellow peppers. The Eastern and Western regions are in a strong demand with a bit of a tighter market. But peppers are still available.
• Garlic: Good quality and supplies with a steady market.
• Mushrooms: Excellent quality and good supplies. Portobello mushrooms are perfect for grilling.
• Brussels Sprouts: Market steady with good supplies and quality.
• Onions: Red, white and yellow supplies are steady out of California and New Mexico. 
• Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are best for grilling. Transitioning from Florida to South Carolina and Georgia. Tennessee and Carolina volume will be next by mid-July. Quality is good in all areas.
• Potatoes: Last year’s crop will be finishing up with suppliers watching inventories to meet the new crop in a timely manner. Quality is always the best on Idaho russets. Great bakers for the grill.

Consult with your vegetable suppliers to make sure volume of each item is sufficient for promoting in your weekly ads. The early season is always somewhat into transitional periods between older and newer growing areas. Tight or limited supplies does not always mean no supplies. Trust in your suppliers to guide you with that daily information. And — good grilling.

What do you think? Email me at [email protected].

Ron Pelger is a former director of produce merchandising and procurement for a major supermarket retail chain. He is currently a freelance writer for the produce industry supporting growers, shippers and retailers. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394.