Effect of packaging materials on the quality of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus saijo caju) during storage

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the optimal packaging material to maximise the restriction of physiological and biochemical changes which reduce oyster mushroom (Pleurotus saijo caju) quality during the storage after harvesting. There are six packaging techniques tested, including PET box, PET box with kraft paper, PET box with kraft covered by GreenMAP bag, soft tray covered GreenMAP bag, soft tray with kraft paper in GreenMAP bag, and kraft paper. The result shows that the PET box with kraft paper in the GreenMAP bag is the most suitable for the storage of oyster mushrooms. After 10 days under 4oC, the lowest weight reduction can be seen with only 5.78%, soluble protein declines 65.49%, and decrease of vitamin C with 27.87 mg/100 g. In addition, the fruit body can maintain the colour, structure, and taste better than those packed with other materials.