READ ME File For 'Dataset in support of PhD thesis titled Defining Solutions for the Improvement of Food and Nutrition Security in the UK: Parsnips as a Case Study for Improving Folate Status through Dietary Intervention ' Dataset DOI: 10.5258/SOTON/PG/D213 ReadMe Author: Annabelle Fisher, University of Southampton ORCID ID 0000-0003-2230-7954 This dataset supports the thesis entitled Defining Solutions for the Improvement of Food and Nutrition Security in the UK: Parsnips as a Case Study for Improving Folate Status through Dietary Intervention AWARDED BY: University of Southampton DATE OF AWARD: 2026 Date of data collection: 2021 to 2025 Licence: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) Related projects/Funders: SoCoBio Doctoral Training Partnership Tozer Seeds Ltd -------------------- DATA & FILE OVERVIEW -------------------- This dataset contains experimental measurements generated during the investigation of folate provision by parsnips and subsequent impact evaluation of the inclusion of parsnips in school meal programmes in Southampton, UK. Files included in the dataset: fulldatav3.csv - data on the folate content and quantified phenotype values of 10 commercial and in-development parsnip varieties. README.txt - readme file associated with fulldatav3.csv rresultsv1_cooking.csv - data on the folate content of parsnips cooked in different ways. README.txt - readme file associated with rresultsv1_cooking.csv rresultsv2s_storage.csv - data on the folate content of parsnips stored in field conditions or refrigerated conditions for up to 6 weeks. README.txt - readme file associated with rresultsv2s_storage.csv 20250719_allfolatecombosforfigures.csv - data on the folate content of a variety of school meals provided across a 3 week menu period in summer 2024. README.txt - readme file associated with 20250719_allfolatecombosforfigures.csv Additional related data collected that was not included in the current data package: Additional experimental observations, intermediate analyses, and raw instrument outputs associated with some experiments described in this thesis are not included in this dataset. If data was derived from another source, list source: All data were generated as part of the doctoral research project. If there are there multiple versions of the dataset, list the file updated, when and why update was made: Not applicable -------------------------- METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION -------------------------- Description of methods used for collection/generation of data: Parsnips were grown in field trial locations across the south east of the UK, collected, and analysed for folate content to explore the variation in folate provision across a range of experimental variables. Results from these exercises were used to feel in to the analysis of school meals on offer in Southampton, UK, to explore the folate available to primary school aged children through these meals. Experimental measurements were predominantly of folate content, but also include some phenotypic measurements of parsnip samples. Detailed experimental procedures are described in the associated PhD thesis. Methods for processing the data: Raw instrumental data were exported and compiled using spreadsheet software. All data were processed and analysed in R and RStudio. Detailed processing procedures are described in the associated PhD thesis. Software- or Instrument-specific information needed to interpret the data, including software and hardware version numbers: Datasets can be opened using Microsoft excel or compatible spreadsheet software. Data are included in a format suitable for processing and analysis in R (RStudio). Standards and calibration information, if appropriate: Instruments used for folate quantification were calibrated using an external standard calibration curve method prior to and during measurements, standard for work in this discipline. Environmental/experimental conditions: Parsnip plants were grown under field conditions and analysed at harvest maturity, or after specified periods of storage. Detailed experimental conditions are described in the associated PhD thesis. Describe any quality-assurance procedures performed on the data: measurements were conducted using a minimum of three biological replicates and a minimum of two technical replicates. In the event that the coefficient of variation between two technical replicates exceeded 10%, a third technical replicate was conducted. People involved with sample collection, processing, analysis and/or submission: Annabelle Rowan Fisher - experimental design, data collection, analysis, and dataset preparation Tozer Seeds ltd (Parsnip trials team) - sample production and collection VCS (UK) ltd - sample production and collection Supervisors: Jenny Baverstock, Philip Calder, Frances Gawthrop, Eletheria Stavridou, Guy Poppy -------------------------- DATA-SPECIFIC INFORMATION -------------------------- Data specific information are contained within the relevant readme file for each dataset. Date that the file was created: April, 2026 --------------