Three preservation techniques, chemical treatment, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and low temperature
storage were used to improve physico-chemical attributes of oyster mushrooms. Mushrooms
were treated with a solution of sorbitol (0.05%, w/v), citric acid (3%, w/v) and CaCl2 (1%, w/v). Chemically
treated mushrooms were packed under two different gas compositions. Physico-chemical, textural and
sensory properties of the samples were assessed during storage at 4 ◦C for 25 d. Chemical treatment of
mushrooms followed by modified atmosphere packaging using 10% O2 and 5% CO2 provided better retention
of quality characteristics and received higher sensory ratings compared to other samples, resulting
in a storage life of 25 d. Material with this treatment underwent minimal changes in weight, pH and TSS.
Radical scavenging activity and total polyphenol contents were retained at 85 and 91% levels, respectively.
Control samples without chemical treatment and with chemical treatment, kept under similar
packaging conditions, underwent spoilage after 5 and 15 d, respectively.