Shiitake mushroom packages tuned in active CO2 and moisture absorption requirements

Active packages of shiitake mushrooms with CO2- and moisture-absorbing sachet or pad were designed and tested in their effectiveness in quality preservation for a given shelf life of 5 days at 10 °C. Sachets of sodium carbonate (SC) and mix of SC and calcium hydroxide (CH), and SC-impregnated cotton pad were characterized in their CO2 and moisture absorption properties to calculate proper amounts of the active components capable of scavenging the required amounts of CO2 and water vapour. The demands of CO2 and water vapour absorptions to maintain the desired modified atmosphere (MA) and avoid moisture condensation inside the packages were determined from mass balance relationships comprising the mushroom respiration/transpiration and gas transmission through the package layer. Super-absorbent polymer (SAP) of polyacrylate was added as a supplement material to bring about the water vapour absorption required further to attain non-saturated humidity condition. Sachet combined of SC and SAP attached inside the package of 180 g mushrooms maintained its atmosphere of 10.7-11.6% O2 and 7.1-8.9% CO2 concentrations at steady state helping to preserve the quality best. Proper combination of CO2 and moisture absorbers can be useful tool to create the desired MA and alleviate saturated humidity conditions in packages of the commodities sensitive to high CO2 and moisture condensation.