EFFECTS OF BLANCHING, CHEMICAL TREATMENTS AND FREEZING METHODS ON QUALITY OF FREEZE-DRIED MUSHROOMS

SUMMARY –Mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus, were cut into slices about 5 mm thick. The polyphenoloxidase activity in the sliced mushrooms was inhibited by: (a) dipping in sodium metabisulfite solution containing 200 ppm SO₂; (b) dipping in 2% NaCl solution; and (c) blanching in boiling water for 2 min followed by evaporative cooling. The products were frozen with Freon-12 at –22°F for 60 sec. The frozen mushrooms were dried to 3% moisture in a Stokes freeze drier and sealed under vacuum in No. 2–1/2 cans. The freeze-dried product made by the Freon-dipping process was better in quality and firmer in texture than that made by the slow-freezing process. Blanching the fresh mushrooms in boiling water for 2 min prior to freezing results in a lighter color in the freeze-dried products after rehydration. However, the product was less attractive in flavor and texture. The blanching process caused considerable loss of water-soluble solids and ascorbic acid. The effects of processing variables on the chemical, physical and organoleptic quality of the rehydrated products are presented.