Effect of postharvest storage time on quality characteristics of explosion puffing dried whole shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) crisps

BACKGROUND

Non‐fried shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) crisps fabricated by explosion puffing drying (EPD) are receiving worldwide attention due to its crispness, convenience, nutrition and health functions. The quality of mushroom crisps varies with storage time of fresh L. edodes. Therefore, the effect of postharvest storage time (ranging 0 – 14 d) of fresh L. edodes on quality characteristics of EPD processed mushroom crisps were evaluated.

RESULTS

The weight loss and total color difference of fresh L. edodes were increased to 2.95% and 24.66, but moisture content, firmness and lightness reduced by 6.14%, 40.70% and 43.57%, respectively, after 14‐d storage. The puffing degree of mushroom crisps was initially increased to a highest value (55.95%) at 4^th day storage and thereafter decreased. The highest rehydration ratio (2.36) and crispness (63.67), and lowest hardness (102.95 N) of mushroom crisps were fabricated with L. edodes at 4^th day storage. The free water was predominant in fresh L. edodes, which was decreased for fresh L. edodes, whereas increased firstly to the maximum value and decreased thereafter for osmotic dehydrated and heat pump pre‐dried L. edodes with increasing storage time. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed fresh L. edodes stored at different time had a remarkable effect on quality characteristics of mushroom crisps.

CONCLUSION

Fresh L. edodes stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 4 d were recommended for fabrication mushroom crisps with superior quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for selection of suitable storage time of fresh L. edodes before EPD of crisps.

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