Effect of edible coating containing carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium metabisulfite on the shelf life of the button mushroom

Edible mushrooms are among the most perishable products that begin to lose quality immediately after harvest, and the short shelf-life of these products will cause problems when it comes to the marketing and distribution of these products in a fresh form. Edible coatings are a good tool for prolonging the useful life of foods and increasing their quality without contaminating the environment.

In this study, the possibility of increasing the shelf-life of a button mushroom using blanching followed by coating with carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium metabisulfite was studied. Independent variables included concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium metabisulfite (0-2%) and storage time up to 16 days at 4 ° C. This experiment was designed on the basis of three-level factors consisting of 6 central points after 0, 4, 8 and 16 days of storage at 4°C. Factors determined on a button mushrooms included pH measurements, weight loss percentage, soluble solids, texture, color, browning level, total microorganisms count as well as mold and yeast count.

The results of this study indicated that the sample coated with 2% carboxymethyl cellulose and 2% sodium metabisulfite resulted in an increase in pH level as well as soluble solids. In addition, the slightest color change, weight loss and reduction in tissue stiffness were observed in this sample. The sample coated with 2% carboxymethyl cellulose with 2% sodium metabisulfite had also the lowest total microorganisms count and the count of mold and yeast stored at 4 ° C after 16 days. Based on the results of this study, carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium metabisulfite coatings can be used as an appropriate coating agents for the preservation of organoleptic, chemical, microbial properties and shelf-life of button mushrooms.