Mushrooms Stay Fresh Longer in Fine-Pored Packaging

A horticultural researcher in the UK, after comparing several different packaging formats for mushrooms, found that mushrooms packed in shallow trays with fine-pored film (which allows gases such as oxygen to pass through) have a longer shelf life. A small area of "micropores" just a few cm square on the film lets in just the right amount of oxygen for the mushrooms to respire, while not causing phenol oxidation. This type of film also allows water to pass through so the mushrooms do not dry out. It is said that mushrooms packed with this film stay white and keep their caps tight for several days longer than those packed with ordinary perforated film and trays. Attempts are now also being made to use this type of packaging for other "high-respiration" vegetables, such as lettuce and asparagus lettuce. It is expected that in a year, mushroom packing companies will begin using this packaging.