DEVELOPMENT OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE AND HUMIDITY PACKAGING (MAHP) FOR FRESH MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms have short shelf life and are very sensitive to humidity levels. Micro-perforated PVC film is normally used for packaging of mushrooms but high humidity levels causes condensation inside the package. Possible solution to control humidity would be to use desiccants in conjunction with modified atmosphere packaging. The objectives of the present study were to optimize the number of micro-perforations for achieving optimum levels of O-2 and CO2; and to test the effectiveness of moisture absorber and scavenger for controlling relative humidity and CO2, respectively inside the package. A mixed type of moisture absorber containing bentonite, sorbitol, and CaCl2 in the proportion of 0.55, 0.25 and 0.2 g per g, respectively was used in different amounts (0, 5, 10 and 15 g). The packages were covered with a PVC polymeric film, perforated with 2, 4, 6 and 8 holes of diameter 0.25 mm stored at 10 degrees C for 5 days. The optimum number of holes was found to be 6 at 10 degrees C yielding 5-6% O-2 concentration and 9-10% CO2 concentration. Packages containing 5g of desiccant were better than those without moisture absorber and those containing 10 and 15 g of mixed desiccant. Mushrooms packed with 5 g of desiccant, 4 g of calcium hydroxide and perforated with 6 holes were still usable and could still be presented on the market and be sold.