Total carotenoids in carrots

Abstract

1. 238 samples of carrots comprising over seventy varieties were analysed for total carotenoids (t.c.) during five autumns.2. The average t.c. value for common types (excluding certain very high value varieties and the almost colourless varieties) is 13·8 mg./100 g. fresh carrot. Assuming 90% of the carotenoids to be ‘carotene’ the average for the latter is 12·4 mg./100 g. Negligible correlation is found between named variety and t.c. Red-cored and small-cored varieties are slightly richer than others. The pedigree of the seed is the most reliable indicator of probable t.c. content.3. Six high t.c. varieties and a Red-Cored Chantenay are described in detail. Four of them are of the long slim type with small red cores. One of them (Dippe's Surrey Long) has a mean t.c. value of 37·1 mg./100 g. The high values have been further improved by selection in two subsequent generations.The authors thank Drs L. J. Harris and T. Moore for their interest in this work, and Miss D. Bailey, Messrs A. G. Dockrill and K. R. Symonds for technical assistance.