This invention relates to a novel class of hybrid cultures of the edible, cultivated mushroom fungus Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach var. bisporus, and methods of producing and using the said hybrid culture. Specifically, to newly developed cultures of white hybrid mushrooms produced by successively crossing progeny of wild strain AA-0096 to progeny of commercial white mushrooms. Particularly, to homokaryons from a newly developed intermediate hybrid designated 472x65 and to cultures that are descended, or otherwise derived therefrom, crossed to homokaryons from commercial white mushroom strains. The methods of this invention produce white hybrid mushrooms with superior commercial characteristics relative to other commercial white mushrooms. Specifically, this invention advantageously provides white hybrid mushrooms, designated 9027, that have one or more of the commercially beneficial characteristics such as higher percent solids of mushroom, more rounded cap, longer shelf life, denser cap, better genetic disease barrier, other aesthetic qualities and the like.
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.
A23L 3/3409 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
A23L 3/3418 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
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