Apparatus, system, and method for storage of mushrooms

Abstract

A method for extending freshness of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a modified atmosphere in contact with Agaricus bisporus mushrooms. The modified atmosphere includes from 14% to 18% by volume of oxygen and from 5% to 9% by volume of carbon dioxide.

1 . A method for extending freshness of  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms, comprising:
 providing a modified atmosphere in contact with  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms, said modified atmosphere comprising from 14% to 18% by volume of oxygen and from 5% to 9% by volume of carbon dioxide.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said modified atmosphere comprises from 15% to 17% by volume of oxygen. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said modified atmosphere comprises from 6% to 8% by volume of carbon dioxide. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said modified atmosphere comprises from 15% to 17% by volume of oxygen and from 6% to 8% by volume of carbon dioxide. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said modified atmosphere has a relative humidity in the range of 87% to 100%. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing said modified atmosphere includes:
 storing said  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms within a container, said container having a plurality of holes that provide an air flow rate, per ounce of said  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms, in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 Standard Cubic Foot per Hour when a pressure differential of 5 inches of water is applied.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said holes are oblong and have respective lengths in a range of 200 μm to 300 μm. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said holes have respective length-to-width ratios no greater than 2. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said holes are substantially circular and have respective diameters in a range of 150 μm to 600 μm. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said container has from 2 to 4 holes per ounce of said  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said container has from 2 to 2.5 holes per ounce of said  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms. 
   
   
       12 . A container for storing  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms, comprising:
 a set of walls defining an interior space and having a plurality of holes that are spaced to provide substantially even diffusion of respiration gases through said holes, said holes providing an air flow rate, per ounce of  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms to be stored within said container, in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 Standard Cubic Foot per Hour when a pressure differential of 5 inches of water is applied.   
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said air flow rate is in a range of 0.3 to 0.45 Standard Cubic Foot per Hour. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said holes are oblong and have respective lengths in a range of 200 μm to 300 μm. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 14 , wherein said holes have respective length-to-width ratios no greater than 2. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said holes are substantially circular and have respective diameters in a range of 150 μm to 600 μm. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said container has from 2 to 4 holes per ounce of  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms to be stored within said container. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said container has from 2 to 2.5 holes per ounce of  Agaricus bisporus  mushrooms to be stored within said container. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said interior space contains a modified atmosphere comprising from 14% to 18% by volume of oxygen and from 5% to 9% by volume of carbon dioxide. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein said interior space contains a modified atmosphere comprising from 15% to 17% by volume of oxygen and from 6% to 8% by volume of carbon dioxide.