Development and Evaluation of Ready to Reconstitute Mushroom Powder Mix as a Potential Functional Food

Mushrooms are highly nutritious but also very perishable. The aim of this project is to formulate a readily reconstitutable and shelf-stable mushroom drink powder with good sensorial and nutritional qualities. Fresh Agaricus bisporus (white button mushrooms) were freeze dried and blended (25%) with a starch base (74%), anticaking agent (0.5%), and emulsifier (0.5%). Freeze drying produced a product with better color and nutritional stability. The product had reduced moisture and increased ash, protein, carbohydrate, and unaltered fat content compared to raw mushrooms. Minerals, calcium (178.91 mg/100 g), and iron (119.25 mg/100 g) were detected. Water-soluble vitamins (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-9, C) and fat-soluble vitamins (retinol, beta-carotene, ergocalciferol, vitamin K) were reported. Polyphenols like tannic acid, gallic acid, para-Coumaric acid, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin were also detected. Total flavonoid content was 2.15 mg rutin equivalents/g. The product had acceptable microbiological quality and shelf life of 30 days when stored in metallized polyester packaging at room temperature. This study puts forward the idea of converting white button mushrooms into a convenience product while maintaining nutritional and sensorial qualities. It allows reconstitution into different flavors for culinary use as an instant health drink.