MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE AND MODIFIED HUMIDITY PACKAGING OF FRESH MUSHROOMS

Sorbitol and sodium chloride were used to modify the in-package relati ve humidity (IPRH) of fresh mushrooms (water irrigated and CaCl2 irrig ated) stored in a modified atmosphere package (MAP) at 12 degrees C. N o differences were observed for maturity index and microbial populatio n between mushrooms stored in modified atmosphere package (MAP) with o r without moisture absorbers. Lower IPRH was observed in packages cont aining water irrigated (normally grown) mushrooms with sodium chloride , but resulted in over-drying of mushrooms and did not improve color. Normally grown mushrooms with 10 and 15g sorbitol had the best color. IPRH of 87-90%, within 9 days storage was considered optimum. No impro vements in quality were found with moisture absorbers with normally gr own mushrooms. However, a small amount of sorbitol helped to avoid con densation with CaCl2 irrigated mushrooms.