FRESH MUSHROOM QUALITY AS AFFECTED BY MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

The effect of O-2 concentration, at 2-6% CO2, on shelf-life of fresh m ushrooms in modified atmosphere packages (MAP) was studied. For conven tional mushrooms optimum in-package O-2 was 6% to reduce cap developme nt. 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 hazar dous and is not recommended. Surface moisture of mushrooms significant ly increased during storage and may have obscured any beneficial effec t of MAP on mushroom color. Precise control of relative humidity in th e package is recommended.