The effect of aluminum coating to corrugated packaging on quality characteristics of Enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) during storage

Abstract

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.