Microbiological Safety and Sensory Quality of Cultivated Mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes) at Retail Level and Post-Retail Storage

Pre- and Postharvest Strategies for Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom in a Circular Economy Approach

Mushroom cultivation presents a viable solution for utilizing agro-industrial byproducts as substrates for growth. This process enables the transformation of low-economic-value waste into nutritional foods. Enhancing the yield and quality of preharvest edible mushrooms, along with effectively preserving postharvest mushrooms, stands as a significant challenge in advancing the industry. Implementing pre- and postharvest strategies for Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm (oyster mushroom) within a circular economy framework involves optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system. This review aimed to analyze the development and innovation of the different themes and trends by bibliometric analysis with a critical literature review. Furthermore, this review outlines the cultivation techniques for Pleurotus ostreatus, encompassing preharvest steps such as spawn production, substrate preparation, and the entire mushroom growth process, which includes substrate colonization, fruiting, harvesting, and, finally, the postharvest. While novel methodologies are being explored for maintaining quality and extending shelf-life, the evaluation of the environmental impact of the entire mushroom production to identify areas for improvement is needed. By integrating this knowledge, strategies can be developed for a more sustainable and circular approach to Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom cultivation, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term viability in this industry.

Microbiological quality and safety of fresh mushroom products at retail level in Korea

Several investigations and recalls have demonstrated that Listeria monocytogenes can occur on mushrooms. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and safety of four types of edible mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, and Agaricus bisporus) available in the Korean market, and to evaluate the prevalence of Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes. Results revealed that out of 100 samples tested, 16% (32/200) were positive for Listeria spp. Of the Listeria-positive samples, five strains of Listeria innocua were detected. The total microbial counts ranged from 0.79 to 5.84 log CFU/g, with F. velutipes exhibiting the highest microbial load (mean 5.03 log CFU/g). These findings provide significant data for risk assessment and emphasize the need for continued monitoring of the microbiological safety of edible mushrooms.

Recent advances and role of melatonin in post-harvest quality preservation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their popularity and robust nutritional value, are susceptible to spoilage due to their inherent biodegradability. Nevertheless, because of their lack of protection, these mushrooms have a short shelf life. Throughout the post-harvest phase, mushrooms experience a persistent decline in quality. This is evidenced by changes such as discoloration, reduced moisture content, texture changes, an increase in microbial count, and the depletion of nutrients and flavor. Ensuring postharvest quality preservation and prolonging mushroom shelf life necessitates the utilization of post-harvest preservation techniques, including physical, chemical, and thermal processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the deterioration processes affecting mushroom quality, covering elements such as moisture loss, discoloration, texture alterations, increased microbial count, and the depletion of nutrients and flavor. It also explores the key factors influencing these processes, such as temperature, relative humidity, water activity, and respiration rate. Furthermore, the review delves into recent progress in preserving mushrooms through techniques such as drying, cooling, packaging, irradiation, washing, and coating.

Effects of antimicrobial nanocomposite films packaging on the postharvest quality and spoilage bacterial communities of mushrooms (Chanterelles)

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite films with the addition of mesoporous silica nanoparticles MSN (0, 2, 4 and 6 wt%) loaded with 10 wt% citral (CIT) were prepared for application in Chanterelles packaging. Composite films with added MSN/CIT showed good mechanical properties, especially 4MSN/CIT/PLA. Changes in physicochemical properties and bacterial flora of Chanterelles during packaging and storage were tested. Compared with CIT/PLA, Chanterelles packed with 4MSN/CIT/PLA showed about 1.62-times lower browning value, 1.53-times lower electrolyte permeability, and 1.83- and 1.78-times lower PPO and POD, respectively, at 12 day. Better physicochemical properties of Chanterelles can be maintained. For bacterial flora changes, Chanterelles packaged with 4MSN/CIT/PLA had more stable flora (p < 0.05) and lower species diversity during storage (p < 0.05), effectively controlling the growth and reproduction of their dominant spoilage bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae spp). In conclusion, the composite membranes obtained by the addition of MSN/CIT to PLA have great potential in the storage of Chanterelles.

Microbiological Assessment of White Button Mushrooms with an Edible Film Coating

The development of edible coatings incorporating bioextracts from mushrooms native to Portuguese forests aims to enhance the value of the endogenous forest and mycological resources by harnessing their potential as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Edible coatings represent an important pathway to decreasing food waste and contributing to implementing a circular bioeconomy. The coating should result in product valorization through improved preservation/conservation, increased shelf life, as well as enhancement of its antioxidant and enzymatic properties. To evaluate the effectiveness of an edible coating on fungal food matrices, a 14-day shelf-life study was conducted, wherein both coated and untreated mushrooms were examined under controlled storage temperatures of 4 °C and 9.3 °C. Agaricus bisporus was chosen as the food matrix for its bioeconomy significance, and Pleurotus eryngii was selected for the preparation of the food-based coating due to its profile of bioactive compounds. Microbiological analysis and physicochemical monitoring were conducted on the food matrices and the coating. Coated mushrooms had less mass loss and color change, and had better texture after 14 days. Microbiological analysis revealed that the coating had no antimicrobial activity. Overall, the coating improved the shelf life of the coated mushrooms but had less effect on the microbial community.

Effect of nanopackaging on the quality of edible mushrooms and its action mechanism: A review

With higher demands for food packaging and the development of nanotechnology, nanopackaging is becoming a research hotspot in the field of food packaging because of its superb preservation effect, and it can effectively resist oxidation and regulates energy metabolism to maintain the quality and prolong the shelf life of mushrooms. Furthermore, under the background of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, nanomaterials could be a potential tool to prevent virus transmission because of their excellent antiviral activities. However, the investigation and application of nanopackaging are facing many challenges including costs, environmental pollution, poor in-depth genetic research for mechanisms and so on. This article reviews the preservation effect and mechanisms of nanopackaging on the quality of mushrooms and discusses the trends and challenges of using these materials in food packaging technologies with the focus on nanotechnology and based on recent studies.

Advances in the Role and Mechanisms of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts as Natural Preservatives to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Edible Mushrooms

China has a large variety of edible mushrooms and ranks first in the world in terms of production and variety. Nevertheless, due to their high moisture content and rapid respiration rate, they experience constant quality deterioration, browning of color, loss of moisture, changes in texture, increases in microbial populations, and loss of nutrition and flavor during postharvest storage. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of essential oils and plant extracts on the preservation of edible mushrooms and summarizes their mechanisms of action to better understand their effects during the storage of mushrooms. The quality degradation process of edible mushrooms is complex and influenced by internal and external factors. Essential oils and plant extracts are considered environmentally friendly preservation methods for better postharvest quality. This review aims to provide a reference for the development of new green and safe preservation and provides research directions for the postharvest processing and product development of edible mushrooms.

Pleurotus ostreatus Grown on Agro-Industrial Residues: Studies on Microbial Contamination and Shelf-Life Prediction under Different Packaging Types and Storage Temperatures

The short shelf-life of mushrooms, due to water loss and microbial spoilage, is the main constraint for commercialization and consumption. The effect of substrate type combined with different temperatures and packaging conditions on the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus is scantily researched. The current study investigated the shelf-life of fresh oyster mushrooms grown on low (0.3, 0.3, 0.17) and high (0.7, 0.7, 0.33) rates of olive pruning residues (OLPR), spent coffee grounds (SCG), and both combined residues (OLPR/SCG) with wheat straw (WS), respectively, at ambient (20 °C) and 4 °C temperatures under no packaging, polyethylene plastic bag packaging (PBP), and polypropylene vacuum bag packaging (VBP). Results showed that at ambient temperature OLPR/SCG mushrooms PBP-bagged had an increased shelf-life by 0.5-1.2 days in comparison with WS ones. The predictive models adopted to optimize mushroom shelf-life at ambient temperature set rates of 0.289 and 0.303 of OLPR and OLPR/SCG, respectively, and PBP as the most suitable conditions (9.18 and 9.14 days, respectively). At 4 °C, OLPR/SCG mushrooms VBP-bagged had a longer shelf-life of 2.6-4.4 days compared to WS ones. Predictive models noted a maximized shelf-life of VBP-bagged mushrooms (26.26 days) when a rate of 0.22 OLPR/SCG is incorporated into the initial substrate. The combination of OLPR and SCG increased the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus by decreasing the total microbial count (TMC) while delaying weight loss and veil opening, and maintaining carbohydrate content, good firmness, and considerable protein, in comparison with WS regardless the storage temperature and packaging type.

Pleurotus Genus as a Potential Ingredient for Meat Products

Edible mushrooms are considered an important source of nutritional and bioactive compounds. In this review, the findings of macronutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobials against foodborne pathogens of some Pleurotus spp., as well as their potential use as an ingredient in the meat industry are discussed. The results show that Pleurotus spp. are an important source of proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Additionally, the presence of some bioactive components, such as polysaccharides (α-glucans, β-glucans, and so on), proteins/enzymes and peptides (eryngin, pleurostrin, and others) phenolic acids (p-coumaric, chlorogenic, cinnamic, ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, and others) and flavonoids (chrysin, naringenin, myricetin, quercetin, rutin, or the like) has been demonstrated. Several works evidenced the use of Pleurotus spp. in some meat and meat products (patties, sausages, paste, and suchlike) as a novel ingredient in order to improve their chemical composition and functional health promoting properties, as well as to increase their physicochemical and sensory attributes. In conclusion, the use of Pleurotus is a promissory strategy for the development of natural additives rich in nutritional and bioactive components for meat and meat product formulation.

Fresh Mushroom Preservation Techniques

The production and consumption of fresh mushrooms has experienced a significant increase in recent decades. This trend has been driven mainly by their nutritional value and by the presence of bioactive and nutraceutical components that are associated with health benefits, which has led some to consider them a functional food. Mushrooms represent an attractive food for vegetarian and vegan consumers due to their high contents of high-biological-value proteins and vitamin D. However, due to their high respiratory rate, high water content, and lack of a cuticular structure, mushrooms rapidly lose quality and have a short shelf life after harvest, which limits their commercialization in the fresh state. Several traditional preservation methods are used to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. This article reviews some preservation methods that are commonly used to preserve fresh mushrooms and promising new preservation techniques, highlighting the use of new packaging systems and regulations aimed at the development of more sustainable packaging.