The Postharvest Quality, Sensory and Shelf Life of Agaricus Bisporus in Active Map

The postharvest quality and shelf life of whole fresh mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) was monitored in active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (30 μm thickness, p‐plus antimist polyethylene) with two different gas compositions (12% O₂ + 2.5% CO₂,12% O₂ + 5% CO₂) at 5C with a relative humidity of 90% for 16 days. The control group including normal air (0.1% CO₂ + 20.8% O₂) was maintained under identical storage conditions. The present data indicated that the quality parameters, such as firmness, weight loss, opening cap percentage, browning index, L (lightness) color value, O₂/CO₂level and microbial quality, were well retained with the treatment of active MAP 5% CO₂, followed by 2.5% CO₂when compared with the control groups during storage. A good correlation could also be observed between the results of the brightness and rate of the browning. Total soluble solids value of mushroom significantly decreased; however, pH values slightly decreased in all treatment at the end of storage. The present findings indicate that active MAP storage including different headspace gas concentrations was found to be effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of white button mushroom for 16 days of storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Agaricus bisporus is one of the most known mushroom species because of its taste as well as special nutritive properties, which is also very susceptible to decay as a consequence of bearing high content of water. Today, various postharvest strategies have been applied for extending the quality, sensory and nutritive properties of this species; however, some applications in different conditions have not been tested on all mushroom species so far. The present study aims to assess different concentrations of O₂and CO₂in active modified atmosphere packaging for the postharvest extension of whole A. bisporus.