Quality characterization of gamma-irradiated fresh oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) during low temperature storage

Fresh oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) were gamma-irradiated at 0, 1, 2, and 3 kGy. The effects on various quality attributes were determined during storage at $5{\pm}1^{\circ}C$. Color changes were more prominent in the cap region than the stem part. At the start of storage increase of Hunter's L-value (lightness) was observed in the caps of 2 and 3 kGy-irradiated samples. The L-value was higher in the all irradiated samples during storage. The trend was different in the case of stem region, where L-value decreased upon irradiation, but remained high throughout storage. The ${\alpha}$-value declined, whereas the b-value increased following irradiation. Irradiation showed a dose-dependent effect on the firmness, which was clearer during storage, but the samples irradiated at 1 kGy maintained an overall better texture than other irradiated samples. The weight loss was also higher in the all irradiated samples during storage. The samples irradiated at 1 kGy showed good physical appearance without any fungal attack at the end of storage; however color change in cap region was quite apparent. The ultra-structural drastic effect of irradiation was understandable using scanning electron microscopy. E-nose analysis demonstrated a clear change in the volatile profiles of all irradiated samples. Although the effect of irradiation on quality characteristics was quite clear but the all irradiated samples were free from fungal attack that was observed in the case of control sample.