Fact sheet: Measuring temperature
Measuring temperature is not so straightforward. By measuring temperature, you are actually measuring the effect of the energy within the mushrooms on another item – usually a metal temperature probe.
Managing temperature is not only essential to maintain postharvest quality, but also to meet retailer specifications. Mushrooms must be delivered below 5 Celsius. Given a usual storage temperature of 2-3 Celsius, followed by transport and potentially some ‘self-heating’ inside the punnets, they can be perilously close to this limit when delivered.
Measuring temperature sounds easy, but a number of things need to be considered, including calibrating your thermometer.
This fact sheet, prepared by Dr Jenny Ekman, describes the best ways to measure temperature in punnets of whole mushrooms and sliced mushrooms. Dr Ekman also provides insight into best practice calibration of temperature probes.
