Specialized Packaging Keeps Mushrooms Fresh And Tasty For Longer

An Israeli company has adapted its award-winning modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to preserve both fresh whole and sliced button mushrooms and whole exotic mushrooms. 

The breathable film created by StePac is designed specifically to preserve the highly perishable mushroom. It reduces moisture within the packaging in order to significantly delay decay and maintain taste, texture and nutritional value.  

Mushrooms, with their deep umami taste, are popular worldwide, with an annual global market of over $50 billion. But, says Tefen-based StePac, a short shelf life prevents the fungus from reaching its full sales potential. 

“Mushrooms have high metabolic activity and respiration rates which gives them a short shelf life, typically just a few days. They also generate a lot of moisture during the respiration process, which encourages bacterial decay,”  said StePac CTO Gary Ward. 

“In post-harvest lab and field trials, our films have demonstrated abilities to maintain the freshness and wholesome appearance of mushrooms,” he said. 

“This effectively stretches their shelf life from just a few days to more than two weeks, generating meaningful reductions in food waste.”