Fresh Mushroom Quality as Affected by Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of O 2 concentration, at 2–6% CO 2 on shelf‐life of fresh mushrooms in modified atmosphere packages (MAP) was studied. For conventional mushrooms optimum in‐package O 2 was 6% to reduce cap development. Mushrooms irrigated with 0.3% calcium chloride during cropping had a higher rate of maturation and optimum O 2 was 2% during storage. At this low O 2 concentration, however, storage may be potentially hazardous and is not recommended. Surface moisture of mushrooms significantly increased during storage and may have obscured any beneficial effect of MAP on mushroom color. Precise control of relative humidity in the package is recommended.