We examined the physicochemical properties and microbial safety of
Enoki mushrooms during storage at 5°C for 9 weeks,
with different packaging containers that are corrugated, Al-coated, and without
packaging (control). The weight change of Enoki mushrooms in
the different containers due to moisture loss was 1.9%, 0.9%, 0.6% for control,
corrugated, and Al-coated packaging, respectively. The degree of browning
rapidly increased as the storage period increased in the control sample.
However, corrugated and Al-coated packaging suppressed the browning degree. The
changes of color L-, a-, and b-vlaues were minimal changes in Al-coated
packaging. There was no significant difference in the total amino acids,
polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase in corrugated packaging and Al-coated
packaging, regardless of the storage period. The microbial growth such as total
aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mold of Enoki mushroom during the
storage period, were significantly suppressed in Al-coated packaging samples as
compared to the control and corrugated packaging. In conclusion, Al-coated
packaging has beneficial effects such as preventing moisture loss, maintaining
browning degree, inhibiting oxidative enzyme reaction, and ensuring microbial
safety of Enoki mushrooms during the storage period. Al-coated
packaging is considered effective for extending the shelf-life and improving the
storage and distribution of mushrooms.