Effects of low-dose γ-irradiation on the water state of fresh Lentinula edodes

From the paper

Abstract

Understanding the water state in fresh Lentinula edodes under low-dose irradiation will be helpful to evaluate the freshness and forecast the shelf-life. In this study, the effects of low-dose γ-irradiation (1.0 and 2.0 kGy) on the water state of L. edodes during storage were investigated. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance results revealed that fractions M₂₂ and M₂₃ constituted the predominant parts among the four water fractions. The results also released that 1.0 kGy-irradiated mushrooms maintained the water state and good appearances. However, 2.0 kGy irradiation caused watery exudate and unfavourable appearance. Moreover, the changes of water state associated with the appearance can be used to assess the freshness and forecast the shelf-life of irradiated L. edodes. Our results suggested that low-dose γ-irradiation (≤1.0 kGy) was a potential preservative method to decrease the water loss, retain the freshness, and extend the shelf-life of fresh mushrooms.