Effect of shiitake mushrooms polysaccharide and chitosan coating on softening and browning of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) during postharvest storage

We investigated the browning and softening of fresh Lentinula edodes (LE) coated with polysaccharides (LEP) isolated from LE stalks and stored at 4 °C for 15 days. The results showed that compared to the chitosan-coated and uncoated LE, the LEP-treated mushrooms showed significant improvements in several qualities during storage, such as reduced weight loss, retention of hardness and springiness, improved soluble protein content, and reduced browning, malondialdehyde content, and electrolyte leakage rate. The best results were obtained with 1.5 % LEP. LEP improved the activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonialyase and significantly reduced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide during storage compared to the control samples. In addition, the LEP treatment maintained the high antioxidant activity of LE during storage. Notably, LEP inhibited browning-related enzymes (polyphenol oxidase and tyrosinase) to reduce browning. It also maintained high levels of cellulase, chitinase, and β-1,3 glucanase to improve softening during storage. These findings suggest the potential of LEP to improve the post-harvest quality of mushrooms, allowing a storage period of up to 15 days (extending the shelf life by six days) and indirectly suggesting that the polysaccharide component of LEP can act as a self-defense additive to protect against spoilage during storage. •Lentinus edodes polysaccharide (LEP) maintained shiitake mushroom quality.•LEP treatment had higher biochemical quality and antioxidant enzymes activities.•LEP treatment inhibits browning-related enzymes to reduce browning.•LEP treatment can improve LE softening.•LEP may stimulate or maintain LE self-defense during storage.