Abstract:
Effects of low temperature and controlled atmosphere on quality changes and shelf lifeof button mushroom were investigated. The experiments were divided into two sections.In the fist section, effects of low temperature (1oC, 3oC, 5oC, 10oC and 15oC) on qualityand shelf life compared to the control (25oC) were determined. It was found thatmushroom stored at low temperature maintained proper quality on respiration rate,weight loss, firmness, color deterioration and visual quality. Storage life was extendedfrom 4 days at 25oC to 10 days at 1oC, 3oC and 5oC. At temperature higher than 5oC,there appeared to be fungal growth, off-odor and senescence. The storage temperature at3oC was the optimum temperature for maintaining quality and prolonging shelf life ofbutton mushroom and used for further study the effect of controlled atmosphere on thequality and shelf life. In the second section, effects of controlled atmosphere (5% CO2 +1% O2, 5% CO2 + 3% O2, 5% CO2 + 5% O2, 10% CO2 + 1% O2, 10% CO2 + 3% O2 and10% CO2 + 5% O2) were examined. Mushroom stored in 5% CO2 + 5% O2 had betterquality than the other storage conditions when colour, firmness and sensory score weredetermined. Of the CA conditions tested, 5% CO2 + 5% O2 appeared to be the bestcondition for retarding the activity of PPO (Polyphenol oxidase) and PAL(Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) and lower total phenolic content levels. The storage lifewas extended from 10 days without CA to 19 days with the CA using 5% CO2 + 5% O2.