AUTHOR=Asdullah Hafiz Umair , Chen Feng , Hassan Muhammad A. , Abbas Asad , Sajad Shoukat , Rafiq Muhammad , Raza Muhammad Adnan , Tahir Arslan , Wang Dongliang , Chen Yougen 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1348235

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2024.1348235

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Shiitake mushrooms, renowned for their popularity and robust nutritional value, but are susceptible to spoilage due to their inherent biodegradability. Nevertheless, because of their lack of protection, these mushrooms possess a rather brief shelf life. Throughout the postharvest phase, the mushrooms experience a persistent decline in quality, evidenced by changes such as discoloration, reduced moisture content, alterations in texture, an increase in microbial count, and the depletion of nutrients and flavor. Ensuring the preservation of postharvest quality and prolonging the shelf life of mushrooms necessitates the utilization of postharvest preservation techniques, including physical, chemical, and thermal processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the deterioration processes affecting the quality of mushrooms, 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.