Levels of Carotene and Ascorbic Acid in
 Florida-Grown Foods

 By R. B. FRENCH and 0. D. ABBOTT
 It is generally recognized that intake of both carotene
provitaminn A) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in a large portion
of the population is far below optimum. In Florida during the
part of the year when citrus fruits are scarce and in sections
where these fruits are not grown the need for vitamin C often
becomes acute. There is also considerable evidence that in sec-
tions where and when green and yellow vegetables are not
readily accessible the need for vitamin A also is acute.
 The level of food intake of population groups is determined by
food surveys. The level of intake of each individual nutrient is
assessed from values obtained from tables based on average
values. Surveys would furnish more accurate information if
the intake of any nutritional factor were based on values that
were valid for the environment studied. The increase in accuracy
would be particularly marked if values were at hand for foods
supplying a major quantity of a given item. In this bulletin
the carotene and ascorbic acid contents of many Florida-grown
vegetables, edible wild plants, and sub-tropical fruits are reported.
These determinations were made with the thought that, in addi-
tion to supplying data on carotene and ascorbic acid content of
the people's food, some little-known but easily-grown and widely
distributed plants might contain an unusually high concentra-
tion of these factors and become important additions to the
nutritionists' armamentarium. Since the idea of increasing
intakes of nutrients through raising their levels in fruits and
vegetables is attractive and rational, some supplementary data
are included. These data suggest how the level of carotene and
ascorbic acid in plants may be affected either by fertilization or
by selection of variety. Such information may help to point the
way which will lead to the production of foods richer in these
essential nutrients.

 Methods
 Collection of Samples.-Samples of fruits and vegetables were
collected from both commercial and home gardens and groves,
from experimental plots at the Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion and Substations, and from local markets. Only samples that