Container for mushrooms and method for the manufacture thereof

Abstract

The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of: collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; mixing the residual substrate obtained to form a pulp; cooking the pulp; transferring the pulp into a mold; pressing the pulp in the mold, resulting in a transfer mold; and cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a container for the storage, transport, and / or sale of mushrooms, the use thereof, and a method for the manufacture thereof. US 9 856 608 B1 discloses a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of transferring pulp into a die; pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Surplus manure has become one of the biggest environmental problems. The harmful substances, ammonia, phosphates, and nitrates in manure are an important cause of the acidification and dying of woodlands. The minerals contaminate the soil as well as groundwater and surface water; production of drinking water comes under pressure. The ammonia formed causes acidification of the air. To prevent overuse of manure, in many countries the production and processing of manure is regulated by strict manure legislation.

[0003] In the past, large investments have already been made in manure processing for example by starting up manure factories which process the surplus manure mechanically to dry fertilizer granules. Dry fertilizer granules can be spread on the field easily without odor nuisance. In certain cultures manure is used in the form of dried boards for plastering walls or as fuel. On the other hand fresh manure, such as fresh horse manure and chicken manure, is commonly used in the growing of mushrooms and for early crops of vegetables, among other things, by both growers and hobbyists.

[0004] At the start of the growing of mushrooms, compost suitable for growing mushrooms is inoculated with mycelium. For growing white mushrooms, for example, compost is preferably made up of wheat straw (carbon source and structure), horse manure (for nutrients), and / or chicken manure (or slurry, as nitrogen source). Other mushrooms may require other types of manure or growing media for their optimal growth. After harvesting the mushrooms, a second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth round of growth of mushrooms may be achieved on the same compost. With increasing number of rounds of growth, the production and quality of the mushrooms decrease, and introduction of pests and diseases increases; the compost is exhausted and so is removed. After this complete growing procedure, we thus end up with a large amount of residual substrate (mushroom compost). Disposal and decontamination after growing also involve costs.

[0005] In today's large-scale or commercial mushroom growing concerns, after harvesting, the mushrooms are sorted and weighed in packaging so as to minimize handling, which may damage the mushrooms. Harvested mushrooms have the drawback that after a few days they have a brown coloration and develop spore formation. Keeping mushrooms fresh, particularly during transport and / or even brief storage, is thus a great problem. Temperature and humidity fluctuations within the packaging have a considerable effect on the quality of the stored product.

[0006] The classic white mushrooms or champignons have already been sold since the middle of last century in the typical blue trays. The blue sheen of the plastic tray makes the mushrooms look more appealing. The blue trays are usually recyclable, but the blue color is left behind as a contaminant in the recycled material. There is a trend toward replacing the trays with transparent plastic or with cardboard trays with a water-repellent coating. Both alternatives are easier to recycle but there is still a further increase in the mountain of waste.

[0007] Cellulose fibers, necessary as raw material for the production of cardboard trays, can be obtained from wood by cooking wood chips in a chemical solution (sodium sulfide), so that the wood falls apart into loose fibers (chemical pulp; separation of lignin and cellulose is obtained) or using a grinding process (mechanical pulp). Alternatively, old paper may be dissolved in water (recycled fibers). Possible contaminants, such as staples, adhesive tape and printing ink, can be removed from the pulp, a mixture of wood fibers and liquid; fiber pulp can be bleached. After a process of sieving, pressing and drying, most of the liquid has been removed from the formed paper. Each sieve makes a thin layer of paper; several layers can be pressed together with formation of (massive) cardboard. Optionally, a layer with moisture-repelling properties may be applied on the upper side and / or underside; for example a layer containing a polyethylene (PE) coating. Using these processes, we are left with paper waste in the recycling circuit.

[0008] Recyclable paper waste is also used for producing egg boxes, among other things. After adding water (70-80wt%), the paper waste (20-30wt%) is processed to pulp; pulp is poured into molds; sides are pressed on; and then dried in a drying system. Egg boxes can be used several times, and can be reintroduced into a recycling system. We are again left with paper waste in the recycling circuit.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To summarize, the present invention offers a solution for the aforementioned problems by providing at least one of the following aspects: 1 / direct residual substrate processing, 2 / indirect processing of surplus manure, 3 / easier production of storage trays, 4 / cheaper production of storage trays, 5 / greater product freshness of mushrooms, 6 / longer product shelf life of mushrooms, 7 / storage conditions of mushrooms easier to control and optimize; 8 / less food wastage; and / or 9 / (better and quicker) production of environmentally friendly and compostable storage trays.

[0010] The inventors found, unexpectedly, that residual substrate, derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate, is an ideal raw material for the production of a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. The inventors also found, unexpectedly, that by using the container of the invention, mushrooms can be obtained with long-term quality of a high standard. The inventors found further, unexpectedly, that through production of the container of the invention, storage trays could be formed that can be composted better and quicker. In general, the present invention offers a better solution for the compostable processing of waste in combination with a less expensive approach for guaranteeing improved product freshness of mushrooms.

[0011] The invention aims to employ manure further, directly (as manure and / or a component of compost) or indirectly (as a component of the substrate and / or residual substrate), as raw material for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. Here, the manure is not used for growing mushrooms, but for their storage and handling. Thus, a more inactive role is now ascribed to the manure / substrate (by using spent residual substrate). Up to now, mushrooms have been stored in plastic trays or trays made of cardboard or paper. The present inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that the residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate is an ideal source for producing pulp, which may then be used to obtain the container of the present invention. Through the digesting or composting of fresh manure, the carbon content decreases and the relative nitrogen content increases, so that the fertilizing value increases; the fiber-like carbon-containing constituents are digested. Prior to the present invention, the processing of manure was not applied in direct combination with storage of food, and was considered unacceptable. Now, manure processing is subject to very strict rules. It should also be noted that manure, substrate and residual substrate usually also carry germs (pathogens). The present inventors have developed a method in which containers can be produced that can be used in a food-safe manner, without the need for additional testing.

[0012] The partly or completely digested manure can be used together with wood or straw for growing mushrooms. Wood and straw are of course composites consisting of long, branched cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fibers that anchor one another, so that they are difficultly degradable. Through the growth of the fungus, this complex rigid network is converted to a more flexible, compressible mass. During growth, first the mycelium develops in the substrate, followed by the formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies. The underground hyphae are microscopically thin filaments with a diameter from 2 to 100 micrometers. For the production of mushrooms, the mycelium usually only decomposes a portion (25%) of the organic matter in the compost. After growth of the mushrooms, the residual substrate thus consists of (partly) digested substrate permeated by a network of hyphae. The residual substrate has physical properties which are, unexpectedly, optimal for the production of pulp and formation of the container of the present invention. Fungus-fermented substrate is not used in the production of the containers of the prior art. Compared to paper pulp, the residual substrate contains shorter (hemi)cellulose and lignin fibers and an extra network of hyphae. The hyphae are divided into compartments by septa (internal walls); these give the hyphae rigidity and prevent large-scale loss of cytoplasm if a break occurs in the dividing wall. During mixing, heating and / or cooking, the hyphae are partly disrupted. Through the resultant pressure from cooking, the cell walls of the remaining plant cells and mycelium cells will partly explode; fibers become softer but are not fermented as a result of this action. The inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that on processing the residual substrate, a superior elastic raw material is obtained, which after processing and drying results in a sturdy container.

[0013] The present inventors have also discovered that the container produced on the basis of the residual substrate not only is sturdy, but possesses extra unexpected optimal properties such as increased permeability and absorption of air (e.g. CO 2 ) and moisture (e.g. water). Mushrooms are aerobic organisms that show a preference for growing on an airy substrate; therefore sometimes a mushroom growing layer is also used, which is highly permeable to water. The hyphae themselves also form a network in which extra spaces are present; during drying, these spaces are formed further and / or enlarged. On drying, these result in tiny air pockets and / or air spaces; also called intra-spaces. The inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that on processing the residual substrate, an elastic raw material is obtained, which after processing and drying leads to a sturdy, yet light and porous container.

[0014] Owing to the sturdy structure of the container, it is possible for the manufacturer of the container to transport the containers in a compact arrangement in which they are inserted in one another. Additional structures may be applied to simplify the storage and assembly of the containers and for separating them from one another. Owing to the light structure, transport of the unused and used containers is easier, more compact and thus also cheaper. Because the raw material for pulp processing is more flexible and / or more elastic, the pulp is easier to press and / or dry. This results in lower labor costs and energy consumption.

[0015] As stated above, until now mushrooms have been stored in plastic trays or cardboard boxes with a water-repellent coating. Through temperature fluctuations during storage, transport and / or sale of the packaging, condensation may form on the underside of the lid and sides of the tray, which may have an adverse effect on the quality of the mushrooms. Because the metabolism is still active in stored mushrooms, extra moisture and CO 2 may also be released. The porous property of the container makes it possible for the extra moisture and CO 2 , present in a closed interior space of the container, to be channeled via the intra-spaces present in the container wall, to the exterior space of the container wall. Moreover, dry air present in the exterior spaces of the container may pass via the intra-spaces of the container wall to the interior space. There is thus an equilibrium between the exterior and interior spaces of the container; this all takes place by passive transfer or diffusion of air and / or moisture through the intra-spaces of the container wall.

[0016] The container of the present invention has increased air circulation, so that storage of mushrooms (or harvested fruit and / or vegetables) takes place optimally. Moreover, the container of the present invention has optimal moisture absorption capacity, so that formation of condensation is reduced and / or even eliminated completely. Storage of the mushrooms thus takes place in an ideal environment; taste and appearance of the mushrooms remain good for longer. Furthermore, the storage of the mushrooms in the container may be influenced further on the basis of external factors. For example, the containers, filled with mushrooms, may be brought into an artificial environment in which components that may have an effect on the mushrooms are present. Air or vapors that these components contain may be carried via the intra-spaces from the exterior space to the interior space of the container and may affect the mushrooms. For example, by incubation with maturation-inhibiting factors, the maturation of the mushrooms may be delayed.

[0017] Since storage of the mushrooms can take place optimally, storage and transport can take a longer time. The entire procedure is thus more controllable and less expensive. Fewer "overripe" mushrooms have to be thrown away; the associated costs therefore do not have to be factored into the price.

[0018] Through the entire procedure, there is a clear decrease in the mountain of waste: more specifically of surplus manure (with additional phosphate and nitrate soil pollutants), the residual substrate, old vegetable compositions such as straw and wood, food waste and the storage trays that are produced. Through fungal fermentation, smaller carbon-containing and other complex fibers are formed, which are more usable by the compost organisms. Because the container of the present invention consists entirely of natural elements, it is thus fully recyclable and degradable in nature. In contrast to the containers of the prior art, the basic structure of the container of the present invention does not have any plastic, or contaminating elements that may be present in used paper (e.g. bleaches, ink). The use of contaminating and / or nonbiodegradable elements may also be minimized or even kept absent.

[0019] The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method preferably comprising one or more of the steps of, more preferably comprising all the steps of: a) collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; b) optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; c) mixing (or kneading, stirring) the residual substrate obtained from step a) or step b) to form a pulp; d) cooking the pulp; e) transferring the pulp into a die; f) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0020] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which before step a), it further comprises the following steps: a 1< ) inoculating a substrate, usable for growing mushrooms, with mycelium; a 2< ) growing the mycelium in the substrate, with formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate and a residual substrate comprising a fermented substrate and the grown mycelium; and, a 3< ) separating the mushroom fruiting bodies and the residual substrate.

[0021] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the mushrooms are selected from the group comprising for example white mushroom, chestnut mushroom, shiitake, wood blewit, nameko, parasol mushroom, horse mushroom, beech mushroom, chanterelle mushroom, enoli, morel, oyster mushroom, pied de mouton, pom pom blanc, portabella, trompette de la mort; preferably selected from the Agaricus bisporus group; preferably the white mushroom or the chestnut mushroom.

[0022] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container, or in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are not of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container; preferably, in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container.

[0023] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises a compost layer and optionally a mushroom growing layer on top of the compost layer.

[0024] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises slurry and / or solid manure.

[0025] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises straw, hay, and / or wood (chips). The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0026] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step c) the residual substrate is mixed with an additional pulp, preferably a pulp based on paper.

[0027] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the transfer mold comprises a round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, multiplex, hexagonal, octagonal shape, or combinations thereof.

[0028] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the transfer mold comprises a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and a height of about 1-20 cm.

[0029] The invention also comprises a container manufactured by a method as described above, preferably wherein the container contains mushrooms.

[0030] The invention also comprises the use of the container as described above, for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0031] The invention also comprises the use of a residual substrate comprising mushroom-fermented substrate, compost and / or manure for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms by a method as described above.

[0032] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, the use as described above, in which the fermented substrate, the compost and / or manure comprises fermented cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0033] The invention also comprises a method for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of: i) manufacturing a container by a method as described above; ii) filling the container obtained from step i) with harvested mushroom fruiting bodies; iii) optionally, closing the container with a transparent upper portion; iv) optionally, transporting the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to the place of sale; and, v) optionally, selling the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to an intermediary and / or consumer. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1A illustrates an empty container produced starting from substrate fermented by white mushrooms. In Fig. 1B, this container is filled with harvested white mushrooms. Fig. 2 illustrates a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2A illustrates an empty container produced starting from substrate fermented by oyster mushrooms. In Fig. 2B, this container is filled with harvested chestnut mushrooms. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0035] The reference numbers refer to the following stated parts of the container: 1 -cover, closing system, or upper portion of the container2 -connecting system, or intermediate portion of the container3 -container, or base portion of the container4 -mushroom fruiting body5 -interior space of the container6 -exterior space of the container7 -container wall8 -dried fermented substrate9 -dried mycelium10 -intra-space of the container11 -air and / or moisture diffusion12 -information and / or logo13 -open portion14 -base portion DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] As used hereinafter, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" comprise both the singular and the plural unless the context is clearly otherwise.

[0037] The terms "comprise", "comprises" as used hereinafter are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain, "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprise", "comprises" include the terms "contain", "refers to", "is intended", and vice versa.

[0038] The enumeration of numerical values using ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in this range, as well as the stated end points. Stated values also comprise values after the decimal point such as: x.1, x.2, x.3, x.4, x.5, x.6, x.7, x.8, x.9, x.x1, x.x2, x.x3, x.x4, x.x5, x.x6, x.x7, x.x8, x.x9, x.xx1, x.xx2, x.xx3, x.xx4, x.xx5, x.xx6, x.xx7, x.xx8, x.xx9. The term "measurable value" referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, and so on, is intended to include variations of ± 10% or less, preferably ± 5% or less, more preferably ± 1% or less, and even more preferably ± 0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, insofar as the variations are applicable for functioning in the disclosed invention.

[0039] Unless defined otherwise, all terms made known in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as usually understood by a person skilled in the art. For further guidance, definitions are included for further explanation of terms that are used in the description of the invention. Fig. 3 gives a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the invention with reference to the most frequently used terms.

[0040] The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method preferably comprising one or more of the steps of, more preferably comprising all the steps of: a) collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; b) optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; c) mixing (or kneading, stirring) the residual substrate obtained from step a) or step b) to form a pulp; d) cooking the pulp; e) transferring the pulp into a die; f) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0041] The term "container" also comprises the terms "packaging", "box", "storage box", "dish", "container", "bin", "tray", "basket", or "punnet". According to one embodiment of the invention, the container may be used not only for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, but also for collecting and handling vegetables and fruit, typically for small berries that are susceptible to bruising, perishing, and crushing, and which therefore are best stored in small rigid containers.

[0042] The term "mushroom" also comprises the terms "champignon" and "fungus".

[0043] The "storage, transport and / or sale" may be both large-scale and small-scale, may have a commercial or personal character, and / or may be carried out by growers or hobbyists.

[0044] The term "die" also comprises the terms "mold", "casting mold" and "form". This is a hollow or spherical model in the contra-shape (negative) of the desired product. The raw material for the product to be made is injected, poured or drawn into the mold in the pourable and / or liquid state (heated if necessary). The process is also called "molding", "casting" or "forming". Then (if necessary after cooling) the mold is removed and we are left with the product. A hollow mold may also be used when the technique makes it possible to apply the product as a thin layer on the mold.

[0045] The term "mixing" also comprises the terms "knead", "stir", "blend", "cut", "grind", "fine grinding". The elements are brought together thereby. Preferably, during mixing the elements may be cut into finer particles in such a way that the pulp obtained becomes more homogeneous in structure. Obtaining a fine(r) pulp is not necessary; coarse structures of certain elements may still be visible in the pulp. Mixing may also be used further, for example during cooking of the mass.

[0046] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method, as described above, in which the mushrooms are selected from the group comprising for example white mushroom, chestnut mushroom, shiitake, wood blewit, nameko, parasol mushroom, horse mushroom, beech mushroom, chanterelle mushroom, enoli, morel, oyster mushroom, pied de mouton, pom pom blanc, portabella, trompette de la mort; preferably selected from the Agaricus bisporus group; preferably the white mushroom or the chestnut mushroom.

[0047] To date, some 3000 fungus species have been identified, but the total number of species that exist is not known. The invention describes a container that may be used for the storage, transport and / or sale of each type of mushroom; for example for the storage, transport and / or sale of edible, inedible, gilled mushrooms, boletus mushrooms, straight, slanting or upright growing mushrooms. Inedible mushrooms may for example be used at low dosage in medicine.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected may be of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container, or the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected may not be of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container. Preferably, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container. On the one hand the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Class. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Order. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may belong to the same Family. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may belong to the same Genus. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Species.

[0049] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step d) the residual substrate is cooked at a temperature of 80-100°C and / or for a period of 5-60 minutes. For example, the residual substrate may be cooked at a temperature from 85 to 95°C, or for example at a temperature of 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100°C; preferably of 85, 90, 95 or 100°C. For example the residual substrate may be cooked for a period of 10-50 minutes, or of 20-40 minutes, or for example for a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 minutes, preferably of 30, 40, 50 or 60 minutes. Cooking may also take place under pressure or in conditions in which sterilization of the residual substrate can take place more quickly. Undesirable and / or harmful organisms can be killed during this step. Conditions may thus vary depending on which organisms we wish to eliminate. A person skilled in the art is able to adjust these conditions.

[0050] After cooking, the residual substrate may be cooled slowly in the mold. Alternatively the temperature may be kept constant at certain moments; active cooling may also be applied. The cooling and drying of the transfer mold may take place within or outside the mold. Finally, a transfer mold is obtained that comprises an ambient temperature equal to the temperature of the surroundings.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer mold may comprise a round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, multiplex, hexagonal, octagonal shape, or combinations thereof. The present application concentrates mainly on a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, in which the container is of rectangular shape. However, the parameters (container and method of the invention) can easily be adapted further to containers with other shapes such as containers with a square shape, round shape, oval shape, polygonal shape, multiplex shape, hexagonal shape, octagonal shape, and combinations thereof.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer mold may comprise a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and / or a height of about 1-20 cm. For example the perimeter of the transfer mold may comprise 20-180 cm, for example 30-160 cm, for example 40-140 cm, for example 50-120 cm; for example 60-100 cm, or for example the perimeter of the transfer mold may be 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 cm; and / or the height may be 2-18 cm, for example 3-16 cm, for example 4-14 cm, for example 5-12 cm, for example 6-10 cm, or the height may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 cm; preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 cm.

[0053] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which before step a), it further comprises the following steps: a 1< ) inoculating a substrate, usable for growing mushrooms, with mycelium; a 2< ) growing the mycelium in the substrate, with formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate and a residual substrate comprising a fermented substrate and the grown mycelium; and, a 3< ) separating the mushroom fruiting bodies and the residual substrate.

[0054] The term "substrate" or "mushroom growth medium" comprises medium that makes growth of the mushrooms possible. The term "mycelium" refers to a network of long filaments, called hyphae, that are present in the soil, wood, manure, etc., which forms during the vegetative phase of the mushroom. The term "fruiting body" refers to the fruit formed by the mycelium of the mushroom, which spreads spores on ripening. The fruiting body is formed during the generative phase of the mushroom and is consumed by the consumer. The beginning of formation of the fruiting body is called "budding".

[0055] During growth of the mushroom, various stages may be differentiated: 1 / growth of the mushroom mycelium, 2 / budding or fructification, 3 / development of the fruiting body, and 4 / ripening of the fruiting body with spore formation. Each stage has its optimal temperature. According to one embodiment of the invention, the growing of the mushroom mycelium in step a 2< ) of a method as described above may be carried out at a temperature that may be selected between 21 and 26°C; for example at 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26°C; preferably at a temperature of 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25°C. According to one embodiment of the invention, the formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate in step a 2< ) of a method as described above may be carried out at a temperature that may be selected between 10 and 24°C; for example at a temperature of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24°C; preferably at 17, 18 or 19°C. Preferred temperatures stated above give the preferred temperatures for the white mushroom; other optimal temperatures may apply for other species. After harvesting the mushrooms, a second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth round of growth of mushrooms may be achieved. The term "round" or "flush" refers to the harvest period of the mushroom. The number of flushes depends on the conditions in which the mushrooms are grown, in optimal growing conditions harvesting may take place several times; in poor conditions, only once or twice. The growing conditions are affected by the type of soil used, temperature, watering etc.

[0056] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step a 2< ) the growing of the mycelium takes place in an extensive or limited growing layer or growing zone. The term "limited growing zone" or "limited growing layer" may refer to a zone or layer present in a limited volume and / or area, for example by carrying out growing in a pot or container. The term "extensive growing layer" or "extensive growing zone" also comprises "bed".

[0057] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises a compost layer and optionally a mushroom growing layer on top of the compost layer. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushroom growing layer may comprise a soil with high water capacity. According to one of the embodiments of the invention the mushroom growing layer may comprise between 1 / 10 and 9 / 10 of the substrate; preferably 1 / 5-2 / 5; and the compost layer may comprise between 9 / 10 and 1 / 10 of the substrate, preferably 4 / 5-3 / 5.

[0058] Each mushroom species has its own preferred nutrient medium. Most mushrooms need a layer of compost that contains nutrients for growth. Some mushrooms need, for optimal growth, an additional light moisture-permeable soil (or mushroom growing layer); for other species this mushroom growing layer is optional. The term "substrate" or "mushroom growth medium" thus comprises "mushroom growth medium comprising a mushroom growing layer and compost layer" or "mushroom growth medium comprising a compost layer". The present application concentrates mainly on a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of white and chestnut mushrooms, but the parameters (method and container of the invention) can easily be further applied to the preferred nutrient medium of each species. For white and chestnut mushrooms, preferably a mushroom growing layer is present. Therefore the invention comprises, in one embodiment, preferably a method for manufacturing a container as described above, in which the solid "mushroom growth medium" or "substrate" comprises a mushroom growing layer with mushroom fruiting bodies and an underlying compost layer with mycelium.

[0059] The term "compost" comprises a stable, humus-rich finished product from the composting of (sometimes selectively collected) organic-biological waste. Compost consists of vegetable residues (for example vegetables, fruit peel, grass clippings, leaves, coffee filters, prunings, etc.) that have been broken down by microorganisms almost to humus. The residues in the compost are not always completely broken down 100% and may thus still be regarded partly as undigested plant material. It is the result of a natural composting process that can be monitored and controlled by human intervention. It is a product with a highly stable organic matter content and nutrients that become available gradually. The mushroom is a saprophyte and grows on dead organic matter. The compost is usually prepared by the following steps: (i) aerobic fermentation of the aforementioned compost, so that useful nutrients may be released, (ii) pasteurization and conditioning of the fermented compost, so that harmful organisms are killed and degradable sugars are removed, nitrogen is incorporated and harmful ammonia is removed. An "inoculated compost" may then be formed by inoculating the compost with mushroom mycelium (usually in the form of "spawn", which consists of sterilized rye grains on which the mycelium is applied). After this inoculation, the mushroom mycelium can colonize the compost completely. The compost in the container of the invention may for example be the compost from the company Walkro in Maasmechelen, Belgium.

[0060] The term "mushroom growing layer", "casing soil", "moisture-permeable soil" or "moisture-containing soil" comprises a growing layer that facilitates the growth of certain fungi or mycelium for example by being better able to control the moisture in the mushroom growth medium. The casing soil is usually a low-nutrient layer of soil in which the mushroom mycelium undergoes the transition to the formation of fruiting bodies. Casing soil usually consists of a mixture of peat soil (usually 80%) and lime sludge (usually 20%). Peat soil gives the casing soil a soft, firm structure, and lime sludge is a lime-containing processed byproduct from sugar beet processing. The lime sludge makes the casing soil heavier and gives the casing soil a pH of 7 to 8. In the casing soil there are specific bacteria, for example Pseudomonas putida, which are essential for the formation of mushrooms. The casing soil serves as a water buffer for further cultivation. Preferably, for growing white mushrooms, the casing soil from the company Sterckx in Roeselare, Belgium, is used as the mushroom growing layer. The type of casing soil that is preferred depends on the species of mushroom; possible examples of types are: black peat soil, light-brown soil and marl. Marl is a type of lime-containing clay. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushroom growing layer may optionally be enriched with inoculated compost, preferably in a 5g / 500g ratio of inoculated compost / casing soil. The pH of the inoculated compost is preferably between 6 and 6.5. The term "caccing" refers to a partially grown inoculated compost, which is incorporated in the casing soil for easier initial growth of the mycelium in the casing soil. A homogeneous mixture of casing soil and caccing is preferred.

[0061] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises slurry and / or solid manure. Chemically, "manure" is a mixture of water, inorganic nutrients (minerals), and organic matter. The term "manure" may refer among other things to barnyard manure, pig manure, cattle manure, horse manure, and chicken manure. Manure generally consists of more or less digested animal excrement, whether or not mixed with straw. Important elements in manure are nitrogen (bound chemically in nitrate), phosphorus (bound in phosphate), potassium and magnesium. Next come the trace elements iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, boron and cobalt, to a varying extent. Fresh horse manure has a carbon / nitrogen (C / N) ratio that is favorable for bacteria. During digestion of fresh manure, the carbon content decreases and the relative nitrogen content increases, so that the fertilizing value increases; the fiber-like carbon-containing constituents are digested. The digestion of manure takes place under the action of bacteria, wherein heat, water and nutrients are released. In normal storage, this conversion process takes about a year. Composting can be accelerated by supplying oxygen and microorganisms, with intensive mixing.

[0062] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises horse manure, and / or chicken manure. The compost for growing white mushrooms is preferably made up of wheat straw (carbon source and structure), horse manure (for nutrients), chicken manure (or slurry (as nitrogen source)), gypsum (as acidity regulator) and water.

[0063] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises straw, hay, and / or wood (chips). "Wood" is a natural composite consisting of cellulose (35 to 60% of the weight of dry wood), hemicellulose (20 to 30% of the weight of dry wood) and lignin (20 to 35% of the weight of dry wood). Cellulose forms a very strong fiber with high tensile strength, consisting of D-glucose. Cellulose is not easy to break down into smaller sugar units because multiple hydrogen bridges form between the closely packed cellulose molecules. Hemicellulose is mainly built up from the monomers xylose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose and arabinose, and forms a formless tangle, which surrounds the strong, long cellulose fibers and anchors them together. In the case of lignin, phenols, rather than sugar units, form the basis of the polymers. Lignin molecules form a strong, branched, interlinked network that is difficult to compress. Lignin also binds to cellulose and hemicellulose and thus forms, as it were, the glue that holds the wood fibers together. Lignin is even more difficultly degradable, biologically and chemically, than cellulose. Because lignin surrounds the other constituents of wood, lignin makes wood as a whole even more difficultly degradable. Wood may nevertheless decay, because in particular certain groups of fungi have specialized in the digestion of this ubiquitous raw material. In particular, damp and mechanically damaged wood will often finally be attacked by fungi. Some fungi live on the degradation products of cellulose fibers, hemicellulose and / or lignin. To do this, they pass extremely thin hyphae through between the thin layers in wood so as to be able, among other things, to deliver their degrading enzymes. The degradation of straw, hay and other plant residues may be compared to the degradation of wood.

[0064] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose. According to one embodiment of the invention, the residual substrate, the compost, the mushroom growing layer and / or the container comprise cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0065] The dried fermented substrate and dried mycelium are preferably comprised in the dried residual substrate.

[0066] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step c) the residual substrate is mixed with an additional pulp, preferably a pulp based on paper and / or cardboard, preferably recycled paper and / or cardboard. According to one embodiment of the invention the pulp may comprise an additional pulp that is not derived from a residual substrate, preferably a pulp based on paper and / or cardboard, preferably recycled paper and / or cardboard. In some embodiments, the pulp comprises at least 1% to at most 99% of residual substrate, for example at least 2% to at most 98%, for example at least 5% to at most 95%, for example at least 10% to at most 90%, for example at least 20% to at most 80%, for example at least 30% to at most 70%, for example at least 40% to at most 60%, for example about 50% of residual substrate. In some embodiments, the pulp comprises at least 1% to at most 90% of additional pulp (preferably pulp based on paper and / or cardboard), for example at least 2% to at most 80%, for example at least 5% to at most 70%, for example at least 10% to at most 60%, for example at least 20% to at most 50%, for example at least 30% to at most 40% of additional pulp (preferably pulp based on paper and / or cardboard).

[0067] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step a 2< ), during growth of the mycelium and / or formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies, additional liquid nutrients and / or water are added.

[0068] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which proteins are added to the substrate, preferably to a concentration of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 or 150g proteins / kg compost. According to one embodiment of the invention, the proteins may be added to the compost and / or to the mushroom growing layer. Compost warms automatically after adding proteins. Traditionally, there is addition of 10-15 g proteins in growing beds per 1kg compost. At higher doses the compost may reach temperatures that are too high. When the mushrooms are grown in a limited growing layer or growing zone, the volume is smaller, so that the compost warms less quickly; the temperature is much better under control. More proteins may thus be added, preferably to a concentration of 50, 75, 100, 125 or 150g proteins / kg compost. According to one embodiment of the invention, this supplement may be the supplement Champfood from the company Champfood (Broekkant 10, 5446 PN Wanroij, the Netherlands). A homogeneous mixture of the supplement and the compost is preferred.

[0069] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which after step g), it further comprises the following steps: g 1< ) collecting the used empty containers after storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms or containers that comprise ripe or overripe mushrooms; g 2< ) optionally, adding water to the containers from step g 1< ); g 3< ) grinding the containers obtained from step g 1< ) or step g 2< ) with formation of a pulp; g 4< ) cooking the pulp; g 5< ) transferring the pulp into a die; g 6< ) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g 7< ) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a recycled container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0070] Alternatively, the method may also be carried out using a mixture consisting of residual substrate and recycled containers. "Overripe" mushrooms are mushrooms which, owing to maturation, are producing and / or disseminating spores.

[0071] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step b), 1-50 vol% water is added, relative to the volume of residual substrate; and / or in which in step g 2< ), 1-80 vol% water is added, relative to the volume of the containers. The percentage by volume of water that can be added may be for example 2-75 vol%, for example 5-70 vol%, for example 10-60 vol%, for example 15-50 vol%, for example 20-40 vol%, or for example 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 vol%, depending on the water content required for forming the pulp.

[0072] The invention also comprises a container manufactured by a method as described above. The "container" may be a deep or shallow tray, a deep or shallow dish. The container may comprise an open structure or a structure that is closable with an upper portion. When using a mold, the shape of the container may be determined by the shape of the transfer mold. When the transfer mold is removed from the mold for cooling, the dimensions of the container may be somewhat different (usually smaller) than when just removed from the mold.

[0073] On the one hand, the container of the invention may consist of a base portion, in which harvested mushrooms may be placed. Mushrooms may be introduced via an opening that is located at the top of the container. This opening may be closed, so that the mushrooms cannot fall out of the container during transport and / or handling. This portion may be closed by means of a closing system that forms the upper portion of the container. The upper portion is preferably easily detachable, but is stably sealed during transport or at the place of sale. The portion that makes coupling possible between the base portion and the upper portion is called the intermediate portion. This intermediate portion may form part of the upper portion and / or base portion. The closing system that may be used in the container of the invention is not limited to one type of system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is an adhesive system, a turning system, and / or a click system in the intermediate portion of the container as described above, so that the upper portion and the base portion of the container can be firmly fastened together.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a click system is used in the container as described above, comprising projecting horizontal clicking edge(s) on the inside of the upper portion of the container, and a (preferably interrupted, horizontal) clicking edge on the outer side of the base portion of the container at the level of the opening portion (see for example Fig. 3).

[0075] In Fig. 3, the walls of the container are shown as walls that are perpendicular to the base of the container. According to another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the container may be smaller at the base of the container relative to the perimeter of the container at the opening of the container (see Figs. 1 and 2). The angle between the lower portion (horizontal) and the vertical walls of the base portion may vary, preferably between 89.0 and 94.0°, preferably between 90.0 and 93.0°, for example between 91.0 and 92.0°, for example 89.0, 89.1, 89.2, 89.3, 89.4, 89.5, 89.6, 89.7, 89.8, 89.9, 90.0, 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3, 91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5, 92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7, 93.8, 93.9, 94.0°; more preferably 91.9°. A difference in perimeter thus arises between the base portion and opening portion of the base portion of the container (see Fig. 3). As a result, the transfer molds can easily be removed from the mold, several containers of the invention can easily be stacked on one another and be separated from one another, and the harvested mushrooms can be removed from the containers with a minimum of handling.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening portion of the base portion of the container may have a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and the base portion may have a height of about 1-20 cm. For example the perimeter of the opening portion of the base portion of the container may be 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 cm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base of the base portion of the container may be smaller than the perimeter of the opening portion of the container, for example may comprise a perimeter of about 8-190 cm. For example, the perimeter of the base of the base portion of the container may be 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 cm. The height of the base portion may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 cm; preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 cm.

[0077] The perimeter of the upper portion of the container may vary between 10 and 200 cm, but with values that are usually somewhat greater than the values of the opening portion of the base portion of the used container. When using connecting closing systems, the perimeter of the upper portion of the container will thus be somewhat greater than the perimeter of the opening portion of the base portion of the container, so that tight closure of the container is possible, but the upper portion of the container can still be removed again easily. The tight closure may be achieved for example with a lid. When a tight closure is used, the height of the upper portion of the container may vary between 0.3-5.0 cm. For example, the height of the upper portion of the container may be 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0 cm, preferably 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5 cm, more preferably 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 cm.

[0078] The invention also comprises the use of the container as described above for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. In the context of consumer health awareness, preferably all components of the substrate used for the production of the container of the invention are of biological ("organic") origin. The result is thus a container that makes it possible for mushrooms to be stored, transported and / or sold under BIO ("organic") conditions, and after use, if necessary, can be composted with formation of BIO ("organic") compost.

[0079] The invention also comprises the use of a residual substrate comprising mushroom-fermented substrate, compost and / or manure for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms by a method as described above.

[0080] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, the use of a residual substrate as described above, in which the fermented substrate, the compost and / or manure comprises fermented cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0081] In the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, a container of the invention may be an open container (not closed off from the exterior space on the upper side of the interior space), or preferably a closed container (closed off from the exterior space on the upper side of the interior space). A closed container offers the possibility of keeping the storage conditions for the mushrooms more constant and reducing access of microbiological contaminants. An open container offers the possibility of quick and cheap handling of mushrooms.

[0082] The invention also comprises a method for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms comprising the steps of: i) manufacturing a container by a method as described above; ii) filling the container obtained from step i) with harvested mushroom fruiting bodies; iii) optionally, closing the container with a transparent upper portion; iv) optionally, transporting the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to the place of sale; and, v) optionally, selling the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to an intermediary and / or consumer.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the packaging is durable, esthetic, inexpensive and / or easily transportable, and preferably recyclable. A closed container allows favorable control of moisture and air, so that there is almost constant, low relative humidity in the interior space of the container. Not only excess moisture, but also certain gases, for example CO 2 formed by the mushrooms, can be removed from the container.

[0084] If a closed container is used, the upper portion of the container may be completely or partly transparent, so that the mushrooms are visible when purchased. The term "transparent" refers to the possibility of being able to see through it. In the case of a partly transparent upper portion, a viewing window may be present. The transparent upper portion may be a detached lid, with a turning and / or click system. Alternatively, the transparent upper portion may be a lid that is partly attached to the container, for example by a click system. On the other hand, the transparent upper portion may be a film.

[0085] When a lid is used, this may consist of a material that is identical to the material that is used for production of the container. On the other hand, some other material may be used for the lid, such as plastic, paper, softboard, cardboard, wood or combinations thereof.

[0086] The transparent upper portion may also form part of a flow wrap: a horizontal packaging form in which the container is enveloped, wherein single packs or multipacks may be formed.

[0087] The container may also have a sealing edge at the top of the base portion, on which a "top seal film", "top film", "sealing film", "closing film", or "film" may easily be applied by a heat sealing technique. On the other hand, a film may be fastened by means of a gluing system, such as a gluing gun, on the base portion of the container.

[0088] The transparent upper portion may comprise plastic, polyester (PES), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and multipurpose (MP) films. Preferably, the transparent upper portion is biodegradable, for example selected from among other bioplastics, polylactic acid (PLA).

[0089] The transparent upper portion may be single-layer or multilayer, optionally with perforations and / or anticondensation coating. The term "perforation" also comprises the terms "opening" and "ventilation openings". The number of perforations in the upper portion may vary, and determines the exchange capacity of the container for, among other things, moisture, air and CO 2 . Owing to the presence of the perforations in the upper portion of the container and the intra-spaces of the upper, intermediate and / or base portion of the container, there is an optimal air flow through the container, so that moisture and CO 2 in the container can easily be kept constant and / or regulated. The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a container as described above, in which the shape of the perforation is selected from the group consisting of a round shape, an oval shape, a linear shape, a polygonal shape, a multiplex, arbitrary or irregular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, and combinations thereof. Recognizable figures may also be used, such as a mushroom or flower pattern. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the invention, the size of the perforations may vary between ≥ 0.1 mm and ≤ 30 mm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the perforation may have a size of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 millimeters (mm) or combinations thereof. The size and numbers of the perforations may be adjusted depending on the size of the container, the larger the surface area of the container, and thus also of separate portions, the larger they may be and / or higher numbers may be applied. The larger the perforations, the more quickly air exchange (ventilation) takes place, but the possibility of contamination is also greater. A balance between the two is thus preferably respected, and can easily be determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container may comprise an anticondensation coating (or water-repellent layer). The anticondensation coating may be located on and / or in the upper portion, intermediate portion and / or base portion of the container. The coating may be applied during or after production of the upper portion, intermediate portion and / or base portion of the container. Substances that may be used for coating the container of the invention and methods that may be used for coating the containers after production are known. Coatings and films used in one embodiment of the invention comply with the food directives.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, a container may be formed by pressing the pulp in a mold. The resultant transfer mold then already has a shape that is (almost) identical to the shape of the container as used for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the invention, the container may be formed by making a sheet structure first, which after cooling may be folded-up or folded further to a final container structure. The folded structure may be built up from several layers; each with its own composition.

[0092] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which at least after one of the various steps, a step of labeling the container is introduced. The labeling of the container may be carried out by printing on the container itself, or by adding a carrier that comprises the label. According to one embodiment of the invention, the label may comprise a logo and / or information for the storage, transport and sale of the mushrooms and may be applied on the base portion (see Fig. 3), intermediate portion and / or upper portion of the container. The label may provide a simple overview in the form of a two-dimensional inscription, or in the form of a fold-out document.

[0093] During transport, storage and / or sale, the container may be kept at room temperature, or may be cooled if desired. The invention also comprises, in one aspect, a method for the storage, transport and sale of the mushrooms as described above, in which the container with the harvested mushrooms may be cooled to a temperature that may be selected between 3 and 22°C; for example 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22°C, preferably up to 5°C. For cooling during transport, for example an air-conditioned refrigerated container may be used.

[0094] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which after the various steps, or at least after one of the various steps, a step of storage and / or packing is introduced.

[0095] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the various steps, or at least one of the various steps, is / are carried out automatically.

[0096] When an embodiment for a method is described herein, it is not excluded that the same embodiment may be applied for a use and / or container of the invention, and vice versa. The possibility of application is to be deduced from the context of the description.EXAMPLES

[0097] Fig. 1A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacture of this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of white mushrooms on its preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. No extra water was added, since the residual substrate contained sufficient moisture. Then the pulp was heated to 100 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of white mushrooms, was then filled with harvested white mushrooms (see Fig. 1B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of white mushrooms. The figure clearly indicates that there is no need for forming a homogeneous pulp; complex fibers may still be present and thus guarantee the presence of larger intra-spaces in the container. However, the greater the proportion of complex fibers, the rougher the container is, and pressing in the mold sometimes becomes difficult as a result. The complexity of the pulp depends on the initial substrate on which the mushrooms are grown, and the further fermentation and treatment of this to form the pulp. A person skilled in the art can easily, on the basis of the method as described in the present invention, optimize the conditions, with formation of a container as described herein.

[0098] Fig. 2A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacturing this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of oyster mushrooms on their preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. Some extra water was added to facilitate mixing. Then the pulp was heated to 90 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of oyster mushrooms, was than filled with harvested chestnut mushrooms (see Fig. 2B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of chestnut mushrooms.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. The container (3), or base portion thereof, comprises an interior space (5) and an exterior space (6), separated by a container wall (7). The container wall (7) comprises dried fermented substrate (8) and dried mycelium (9), which form intra-spaces (10). The porosity of the container wall (7) allows diffusion of air and / or moisture (11) through the container wall (7). The container (3) comprises mushroom fruiting bodies (4). The container (3) also comprises a base portion (14) and an open portion (13). The open portion (13) may be closed with a lid (1) that may be connected by means of a connecting system (2) to the base portion (3). The container wall (7) may also comprise information and / or a logo (12).

Examples

examples

EXAMPLES

[0097]Fig. 1A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacture of this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of white mushrooms on its preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. No extra water was added, since the residual substrate contained sufficient moisture. Then the pulp was heated to 100 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of white mushrooms, was then filled with harvested white mushrooms (see Fig. 1B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of white ...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a container for the storage, transport, and / or sale of mushrooms, the use thereof, and a method for the manufacture thereof. US 9 856 608 B1 discloses a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of transferring pulp into a die; pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Surplus manure has become one of the biggest environmental problems. The harmful substances, ammonia, phosphates, and nitrates in manure are an important cause of the acidification and dying of woodlands. The minerals contaminate the soil as well as groundwater and surface water; production of drinking water comes under pressure. The ammonia formed causes acidification of the air. To prevent overuse of manure, in many countries the production and processing of manure is regulated by strict manure legislation.

[0003] In the past, large investments have already been made in manure processing for example by starting up manure factories which process the surplus manure mechanically to dry fertilizer granules. Dry fertilizer granules can be spread on the field easily without odor nuisance. In certain cultures manure is used in the form of dried boards for plastering walls or as fuel. On the other hand fresh manure, such as fresh horse manure and chicken manure, is commonly used in the growing of mushrooms and for early crops of vegetables, among other things, by both growers and hobbyists.

[0004] At the start of the growing of mushrooms, compost suitable for growing mushrooms is inoculated with mycelium. For growing white mushrooms, for example, compost is preferably made up of wheat straw (carbon source and structure), horse manure (for nutrients), and / or chicken manure (or slurry, as nitrogen source). Other mushrooms may require other types of manure or growing media for their optimal growth. After harvesting the mushrooms, a second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth round of growth of mushrooms may be achieved on the same compost. With increasing number of rounds of growth, the production and quality of the mushrooms decrease, and introduction of pests and diseases increases; the compost is exhausted and so is removed. After this complete growing procedure, we thus end up with a large amount of residual substrate (mushroom compost). Disposal and decontamination after growing also involve costs.

[0005] In today's large-scale or commercial mushroom growing concerns, after harvesting, the mushrooms are sorted and weighed in packaging so as to minimize handling, which may damage the mushrooms. Harvested mushrooms have the drawback that after a few days they have a brown coloration and develop spore formation. Keeping mushrooms fresh, particularly during transport and / or even brief storage, is thus a great problem. Temperature and humidity fluctuations within the packaging have a considerable effect on the quality of the stored product.

[0006] The classic white mushrooms or champignons have already been sold since the middle of last century in the typical blue trays. The blue sheen of the plastic tray makes the mushrooms look more appealing. The blue trays are usually recyclable, but the blue color is left behind as a contaminant in the recycled material. There is a trend toward replacing the trays with transparent plastic or with cardboard trays with a water-repellent coating. Both alternatives are easier to recycle but there is still a further increase in the mountain of waste.

[0007] Cellulose fibers, necessary as raw material for the production of cardboard trays, can be obtained from wood by cooking wood chips in a chemical solution (sodium sulfide), so that the wood falls apart into loose fibers (chemical pulp; separation of lignin and cellulose is obtained) or using a grinding process (mechanical pulp). Alternatively, old paper may be dissolved in water (recycled fibers). Possible contaminants, such as staples, adhesive tape and printing ink, can be removed from the pulp, a mixture of wood fibers and liquid; fiber pulp can be bleached. After a process of sieving, pressing and drying, most of the liquid has been removed from the formed paper. Each sieve makes a thin layer of paper; several layers can be pressed together with formation of (massive) cardboard. Optionally, a layer with moisture-repelling properties may be applied on the upper side and / or underside; for example a layer containing a polyethylene (PE) coating. Using these processes, we are left with paper waste in the recycling circuit.

[0008] Recyclable paper waste is also used for producing egg boxes, among other things. After adding water (70-80wt%), the paper waste (20-30wt%) is processed to pulp; pulp is poured into molds; sides are pressed on; and then dried in a drying system. Egg boxes can be used several times, and can be reintroduced into a recycling system. We are again left with paper waste in the recycling circuit.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To summarize, the present invention offers a solution for the aforementioned problems by providing at least one of the following aspects: 1 / direct residual substrate processing, 2 / indirect processing of surplus manure, 3 / easier production of storage trays, 4 / cheaper production of storage trays, 5 / greater product freshness of mushrooms, 6 / longer product shelf life of mushrooms, 7 / storage conditions of mushrooms easier to control and optimize; 8 / less food wastage; and / or 9 / (better and quicker) production of environmentally friendly and compostable storage trays.

[0010] The inventors found, unexpectedly, that residual substrate, derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate, is an ideal raw material for the production of a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. The inventors also found, unexpectedly, that by using the container of the invention, mushrooms can be obtained with long-term quality of a high standard. The inventors found further, unexpectedly, that through production of the container of the invention, storage trays could be formed that can be composted better and quicker. In general, the present invention offers a better solution for the compostable processing of waste in combination with a less expensive approach for guaranteeing improved product freshness of mushrooms.

[0011] The invention aims to employ manure further, directly (as manure and / or a component of compost) or indirectly (as a component of the substrate and / or residual substrate), as raw material for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. Here, the manure is not used for growing mushrooms, but for their storage and handling. Thus, a more inactive role is now ascribed to the manure / substrate (by using spent residual substrate). Up to now, mushrooms have been stored in plastic trays or trays made of cardboard or paper. The present inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that the residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate is an ideal source for producing pulp, which may then be used to obtain the container of the present invention. Through the digesting or composting of fresh manure, the carbon content decreases and the relative nitrogen content increases, so that the fertilizing value increases; the fiber-like carbon-containing constituents are digested. Prior to the present invention, the processing of manure was not applied in direct combination with storage of food, and was considered unacceptable. Now, manure processing is subject to very strict rules. It should also be noted that manure, substrate and residual substrate usually also carry germs (pathogens). The present inventors have developed a method in which containers can be produced that can be used in a food-safe manner, without the need for additional testing.

[0012] The partly or completely digested manure can be used together with wood or straw for growing mushrooms. Wood and straw are of course composites consisting of long, branched cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fibers that anchor one another, so that they are difficultly degradable. Through the growth of the fungus, this complex rigid network is converted to a more flexible, compressible mass. During growth, first the mycelium develops in the substrate, followed by the formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies. The underground hyphae are microscopically thin filaments with a diameter from 2 to 100 micrometers. For the production of mushrooms, the mycelium usually only decomposes a portion (25%) of the organic matter in the compost. After growth of the mushrooms, the residual substrate thus consists of (partly) digested substrate permeated by a network of hyphae. The residual substrate has physical properties which are, unexpectedly, optimal for the production of pulp and formation of the container of the present invention. Fungus-fermented substrate is not used in the production of the containers of the prior art. Compared to paper pulp, the residual substrate contains shorter (hemi)cellulose and lignin fibers and an extra network of hyphae. The hyphae are divided into compartments by septa (internal walls); these give the hyphae rigidity and prevent large-scale loss of cytoplasm if a break occurs in the dividing wall. During mixing, heating and / or cooking, the hyphae are partly disrupted. Through the resultant pressure from cooking, the cell walls of the remaining plant cells and mycelium cells will partly explode; fibers become softer but are not fermented as a result of this action. The inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that on processing the residual substrate, a superior elastic raw material is obtained, which after processing and drying results in a sturdy container.

[0013] The present inventors have also discovered that the container produced on the basis of the residual substrate not only is sturdy, but possesses extra unexpected optimal properties such as increased permeability and absorption of air (e.g. CO 2 ) and moisture (e.g. water). Mushrooms are aerobic organisms that show a preference for growing on an airy substrate; therefore sometimes a mushroom growing layer is also used, which is highly permeable to water. The hyphae themselves also form a network in which extra spaces are present; during drying, these spaces are formed further and / or enlarged. On drying, these result in tiny air pockets and / or air spaces; also called intra-spaces. The inventors have discovered, unexpectedly, that on processing the residual substrate, an elastic raw material is obtained, which after processing and drying leads to a sturdy, yet light and porous container.

[0014] Owing to the sturdy structure of the container, it is possible for the manufacturer of the container to transport the containers in a compact arrangement in which they are inserted in one another. Additional structures may be applied to simplify the storage and assembly of the containers and for separating them from one another. Owing to the light structure, transport of the unused and used containers is easier, more compact and thus also cheaper. Because the raw material for pulp processing is more flexible and / or more elastic, the pulp is easier to press and / or dry. This results in lower labor costs and energy consumption.

[0015] As stated above, until now mushrooms have been stored in plastic trays or cardboard boxes with a water-repellent coating. Through temperature fluctuations during storage, transport and / or sale of the packaging, condensation may form on the underside of the lid and sides of the tray, which may have an adverse effect on the quality of the mushrooms. Because the metabolism is still active in stored mushrooms, extra moisture and CO 2 may also be released. The porous property of the container makes it possible for the extra moisture and CO 2 , present in a closed interior space of the container, to be channeled via the intra-spaces present in the container wall, to the exterior space of the container wall. Moreover, dry air present in the exterior spaces of the container may pass via the intra-spaces of the container wall to the interior space. There is thus an equilibrium between the exterior and interior spaces of the container; this all takes place by passive transfer or diffusion of air and / or moisture through the intra-spaces of the container wall.

[0016] The container of the present invention has increased air circulation, so that storage of mushrooms (or harvested fruit and / or vegetables) takes place optimally. Moreover, the container of the present invention has optimal moisture absorption capacity, so that formation of condensation is reduced and / or even eliminated completely. Storage of the mushrooms thus takes place in an ideal environment; taste and appearance of the mushrooms remain good for longer. Furthermore, the storage of the mushrooms in the container may be influenced further on the basis of external factors. For example, the containers, filled with mushrooms, may be brought into an artificial environment in which components that may have an effect on the mushrooms are present. Air or vapors that these components contain may be carried via the intra-spaces from the exterior space to the interior space of the container and may affect the mushrooms. For example, by incubation with maturation-inhibiting factors, the maturation of the mushrooms may be delayed.

[0017] Since storage of the mushrooms can take place optimally, storage and transport can take a longer time. The entire procedure is thus more controllable and less expensive. Fewer "overripe" mushrooms have to be thrown away; the associated costs therefore do not have to be factored into the price.

[0018] Through the entire procedure, there is a clear decrease in the mountain of waste: more specifically of surplus manure (with additional phosphate and nitrate soil pollutants), the residual substrate, old vegetable compositions such as straw and wood, food waste and the storage trays that are produced. Through fungal fermentation, smaller carbon-containing and other complex fibers are formed, which are more usable by the compost organisms. Because the container of the present invention consists entirely of natural elements, it is thus fully recyclable and degradable in nature. In contrast to the containers of the prior art, the basic structure of the container of the present invention does not have any plastic, or contaminating elements that may be present in used paper (e.g. bleaches, ink). The use of contaminating and / or nonbiodegradable elements may also be minimized or even kept absent.

[0019] The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method preferably comprising one or more of the steps of, more preferably comprising all the steps of: a) collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; b) optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; c) mixing (or kneading, stirring) the residual substrate obtained from step a) or step b) to form a pulp; d) cooking the pulp; e) transferring the pulp into a die; f) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0020] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which before step a), it further comprises the following steps: a 1< ) inoculating a substrate, usable for growing mushrooms, with mycelium; a 2< ) growing the mycelium in the substrate, with formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate and a residual substrate comprising a fermented substrate and the grown mycelium; and, a 3< ) separating the mushroom fruiting bodies and the residual substrate.

[0021] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the mushrooms are selected from the group comprising for example white mushroom, chestnut mushroom, shiitake, wood blewit, nameko, parasol mushroom, horse mushroom, beech mushroom, chanterelle mushroom, enoli, morel, oyster mushroom, pied de mouton, pom pom blanc, portabella, trompette de la mort; preferably selected from the Agaricus bisporus group; preferably the white mushroom or the chestnut mushroom.

[0022] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container, or in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are not of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container; preferably, in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container.

[0023] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises a compost layer and optionally a mushroom growing layer on top of the compost layer.

[0024] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises slurry and / or solid manure.

[0025] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises straw, hay, and / or wood (chips). The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0026] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step c) the residual substrate is mixed with an additional pulp, preferably a pulp based on paper.

[0027] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the transfer mold comprises a round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, multiplex, hexagonal, octagonal shape, or combinations thereof.

[0028] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the transfer mold comprises a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and a height of about 1-20 cm.

[0029] The invention also comprises a container manufactured by a method as described above, preferably wherein the container contains mushrooms.

[0030] The invention also comprises the use of the container as described above, for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0031] The invention also comprises the use of a residual substrate comprising mushroom-fermented substrate, compost and / or manure for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms by a method as described above.

[0032] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, the use as described above, in which the fermented substrate, the compost and / or manure comprises fermented cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0033] The invention also comprises a method for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of: i) manufacturing a container by a method as described above; ii) filling the container obtained from step i) with harvested mushroom fruiting bodies; iii) optionally, closing the container with a transparent upper portion; iv) optionally, transporting the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to the place of sale; and, v) optionally, selling the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to an intermediary and / or consumer. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1A illustrates an empty container produced starting from substrate fermented by white mushrooms. In Fig. 1B, this container is filled with harvested white mushrooms. Fig. 2 illustrates a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2A illustrates an empty container produced starting from substrate fermented by oyster mushrooms. In Fig. 2B, this container is filled with harvested chestnut mushrooms. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0035] The reference numbers refer to the following stated parts of the container: 1 -cover, closing system, or upper portion of the container2 -connecting system, or intermediate portion of the container3 -container, or base portion of the container4 -mushroom fruiting body5 -interior space of the container6 -exterior space of the container7 -container wall8 -dried fermented substrate9 -dried mycelium10 -intra-space of the container11 -air and / or moisture diffusion12 -information and / or logo13 -open portion14 -base portion DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] As used hereinafter, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" comprise both the singular and the plural unless the context is clearly otherwise.

[0037] The terms "comprise", "comprises" as used hereinafter are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain, "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprise", "comprises" include the terms "contain", "refers to", "is intended", and vice versa.

[0038] The enumeration of numerical values using ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in this range, as well as the stated end points. Stated values also comprise values after the decimal point such as: x.1, x.2, x.3, x.4, x.5, x.6, x.7, x.8, x.9, x.x1, x.x2, x.x3, x.x4, x.x5, x.x6, x.x7, x.x8, x.x9, x.xx1, x.xx2, x.xx3, x.xx4, x.xx5, x.xx6, x.xx7, x.xx8, x.xx9. The term "measurable value" referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, and so on, is intended to include variations of ± 10% or less, preferably ± 5% or less, more preferably ± 1% or less, and even more preferably ± 0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, insofar as the variations are applicable for functioning in the disclosed invention.

[0039] Unless defined otherwise, all terms made known in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as usually understood by a person skilled in the art. For further guidance, definitions are included for further explanation of terms that are used in the description of the invention. Fig. 3 gives a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the invention with reference to the most frequently used terms.

[0040] The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method preferably comprising one or more of the steps of, more preferably comprising all the steps of: a) collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; b) optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; c) mixing (or kneading, stirring) the residual substrate obtained from step a) or step b) to form a pulp; d) cooking the pulp; e) transferring the pulp into a die; f) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0041] The term "container" also comprises the terms "packaging", "box", "storage box", "dish", "container", "bin", "tray", "basket", or "punnet". According to one embodiment of the invention, the container may be used not only for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, but also for collecting and handling vegetables and fruit, typically for small berries that are susceptible to bruising, perishing, and crushing, and which therefore are best stored in small rigid containers.

[0042] The term "mushroom" also comprises the terms "champignon" and "fungus".

[0043] The "storage, transport and / or sale" may be both large-scale and small-scale, may have a commercial or personal character, and / or may be carried out by growers or hobbyists.

[0044] The term "die" also comprises the terms "mold", "casting mold" and "form". This is a hollow or spherical model in the contra-shape (negative) of the desired product. The raw material for the product to be made is injected, poured or drawn into the mold in the pourable and / or liquid state (heated if necessary). The process is also called "molding", "casting" or "forming". Then (if necessary after cooling) the mold is removed and we are left with the product. A hollow mold may also be used when the technique makes it possible to apply the product as a thin layer on the mold.

[0045] The term "mixing" also comprises the terms "knead", "stir", "blend", "cut", "grind", "fine grinding". The elements are brought together thereby. Preferably, during mixing the elements may be cut into finer particles in such a way that the pulp obtained becomes more homogeneous in structure. Obtaining a fine(r) pulp is not necessary; coarse structures of certain elements may still be visible in the pulp. Mixing may also be used further, for example during cooking of the mass.

[0046] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method, as described above, in which the mushrooms are selected from the group comprising for example white mushroom, chestnut mushroom, shiitake, wood blewit, nameko, parasol mushroom, horse mushroom, beech mushroom, chanterelle mushroom, enoli, morel, oyster mushroom, pied de mouton, pom pom blanc, portabella, trompette de la mort; preferably selected from the Agaricus bisporus group; preferably the white mushroom or the chestnut mushroom.

[0047] To date, some 3000 fungus species have been identified, but the total number of species that exist is not known. The invention describes a container that may be used for the storage, transport and / or sale of each type of mushroom; for example for the storage, transport and / or sale of edible, inedible, gilled mushrooms, boletus mushrooms, straight, slanting or upright growing mushrooms. Inedible mushrooms may for example be used at low dosage in medicine.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected may be of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container, or the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected may not be of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container. Preferably, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container. On the one hand the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Class. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Order. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may belong to the same Family. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may belong to the same Genus. On the other hand, the mushrooms from which the residual substrate is collected and the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container may be of the same Species.

[0049] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step d) the residual substrate is cooked at a temperature of 80-100°C and / or for a period of 5-60 minutes. For example, the residual substrate may be cooked at a temperature from 85 to 95°C, or for example at a temperature of 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100°C; preferably of 85, 90, 95 or 100°C. For example the residual substrate may be cooked for a period of 10-50 minutes, or of 20-40 minutes, or for example for a period of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 minutes, preferably of 30, 40, 50 or 60 minutes. Cooking may also take place under pressure or in conditions in which sterilization of the residual substrate can take place more quickly. Undesirable and / or harmful organisms can be killed during this step. Conditions may thus vary depending on which organisms we wish to eliminate. A person skilled in the art is able to adjust these conditions.

[0050] After cooking, the residual substrate may be cooled slowly in the mold. Alternatively the temperature may be kept constant at certain moments; active cooling may also be applied. The cooling and drying of the transfer mold may take place within or outside the mold. Finally, a transfer mold is obtained that comprises an ambient temperature equal to the temperature of the surroundings.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer mold may comprise a round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, multiplex, hexagonal, octagonal shape, or combinations thereof. The present application concentrates mainly on a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, in which the container is of rectangular shape. However, the parameters (container and method of the invention) can easily be adapted further to containers with other shapes such as containers with a square shape, round shape, oval shape, polygonal shape, multiplex shape, hexagonal shape, octagonal shape, and combinations thereof.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer mold may comprise a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and / or a height of about 1-20 cm. For example the perimeter of the transfer mold may comprise 20-180 cm, for example 30-160 cm, for example 40-140 cm, for example 50-120 cm; for example 60-100 cm, or for example the perimeter of the transfer mold may be 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 cm; and / or the height may be 2-18 cm, for example 3-16 cm, for example 4-14 cm, for example 5-12 cm, for example 6-10 cm, or the height may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 cm; preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 cm.

[0053] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which before step a), it further comprises the following steps: a 1< ) inoculating a substrate, usable for growing mushrooms, with mycelium; a 2< ) growing the mycelium in the substrate, with formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate and a residual substrate comprising a fermented substrate and the grown mycelium; and, a 3< ) separating the mushroom fruiting bodies and the residual substrate.

[0054] The term "substrate" or "mushroom growth medium" comprises medium that makes growth of the mushrooms possible. The term "mycelium" refers to a network of long filaments, called hyphae, that are present in the soil, wood, manure, etc., which forms during the vegetative phase of the mushroom. The term "fruiting body" refers to the fruit formed by the mycelium of the mushroom, which spreads spores on ripening. The fruiting body is formed during the generative phase of the mushroom and is consumed by the consumer. The beginning of formation of the fruiting body is called "budding".

[0055] During growth of the mushroom, various stages may be differentiated: 1 / growth of the mushroom mycelium, 2 / budding or fructification, 3 / development of the fruiting body, and 4 / ripening of the fruiting body with spore formation. Each stage has its optimal temperature. According to one embodiment of the invention, the growing of the mushroom mycelium in step a 2< ) of a method as described above may be carried out at a temperature that may be selected between 21 and 26°C; for example at 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26°C; preferably at a temperature of 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25°C. According to one embodiment of the invention, the formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate in step a 2< ) of a method as described above may be carried out at a temperature that may be selected between 10 and 24°C; for example at a temperature of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24°C; preferably at 17, 18 or 19°C. Preferred temperatures stated above give the preferred temperatures for the white mushroom; other optimal temperatures may apply for other species. After harvesting the mushrooms, a second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth round of growth of mushrooms may be achieved. The term "round" or "flush" refers to the harvest period of the mushroom. The number of flushes depends on the conditions in which the mushrooms are grown, in optimal growing conditions harvesting may take place several times; in poor conditions, only once or twice. The growing conditions are affected by the type of soil used, temperature, watering etc.

[0056] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step a 2< ) the growing of the mycelium takes place in an extensive or limited growing layer or growing zone. The term "limited growing zone" or "limited growing layer" may refer to a zone or layer present in a limited volume and / or area, for example by carrying out growing in a pot or container. The term "extensive growing layer" or "extensive growing zone" also comprises "bed".

[0057] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises a compost layer and optionally a mushroom growing layer on top of the compost layer. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushroom growing layer may comprise a soil with high water capacity. According to one of the embodiments of the invention the mushroom growing layer may comprise between 1 / 10 and 9 / 10 of the substrate; preferably 1 / 5-2 / 5; and the compost layer may comprise between 9 / 10 and 1 / 10 of the substrate, preferably 4 / 5-3 / 5.

[0058] Each mushroom species has its own preferred nutrient medium. Most mushrooms need a layer of compost that contains nutrients for growth. Some mushrooms need, for optimal growth, an additional light moisture-permeable soil (or mushroom growing layer); for other species this mushroom growing layer is optional. The term "substrate" or "mushroom growth medium" thus comprises "mushroom growth medium comprising a mushroom growing layer and compost layer" or "mushroom growth medium comprising a compost layer". The present application concentrates mainly on a method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of white and chestnut mushrooms, but the parameters (method and container of the invention) can easily be further applied to the preferred nutrient medium of each species. For white and chestnut mushrooms, preferably a mushroom growing layer is present. Therefore the invention comprises, in one embodiment, preferably a method for manufacturing a container as described above, in which the solid "mushroom growth medium" or "substrate" comprises a mushroom growing layer with mushroom fruiting bodies and an underlying compost layer with mycelium.

[0059] The term "compost" comprises a stable, humus-rich finished product from the composting of (sometimes selectively collected) organic-biological waste. Compost consists of vegetable residues (for example vegetables, fruit peel, grass clippings, leaves, coffee filters, prunings, etc.) that have been broken down by microorganisms almost to humus. The residues in the compost are not always completely broken down 100% and may thus still be regarded partly as undigested plant material. It is the result of a natural composting process that can be monitored and controlled by human intervention. It is a product with a highly stable organic matter content and nutrients that become available gradually. The mushroom is a saprophyte and grows on dead organic matter. The compost is usually prepared by the following steps: (i) aerobic fermentation of the aforementioned compost, so that useful nutrients may be released, (ii) pasteurization and conditioning of the fermented compost, so that harmful organisms are killed and degradable sugars are removed, nitrogen is incorporated and harmful ammonia is removed. An "inoculated compost" may then be formed by inoculating the compost with mushroom mycelium (usually in the form of "spawn", which consists of sterilized rye grains on which the mycelium is applied). After this inoculation, the mushroom mycelium can colonize the compost completely. The compost in the container of the invention may for example be the compost from the company Walkro in Maasmechelen, Belgium.

[0060] The term "mushroom growing layer", "casing soil", "moisture-permeable soil" or "moisture-containing soil" comprises a growing layer that facilitates the growth of certain fungi or mycelium for example by being better able to control the moisture in the mushroom growth medium. The casing soil is usually a low-nutrient layer of soil in which the mushroom mycelium undergoes the transition to the formation of fruiting bodies. Casing soil usually consists of a mixture of peat soil (usually 80%) and lime sludge (usually 20%). Peat soil gives the casing soil a soft, firm structure, and lime sludge is a lime-containing processed byproduct from sugar beet processing. The lime sludge makes the casing soil heavier and gives the casing soil a pH of 7 to 8. In the casing soil there are specific bacteria, for example Pseudomonas putida, which are essential for the formation of mushrooms. The casing soil serves as a water buffer for further cultivation. Preferably, for growing white mushrooms, the casing soil from the company Sterckx in Roeselare, Belgium, is used as the mushroom growing layer. The type of casing soil that is preferred depends on the species of mushroom; possible examples of types are: black peat soil, light-brown soil and marl. Marl is a type of lime-containing clay. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mushroom growing layer may optionally be enriched with inoculated compost, preferably in a 5g / 500g ratio of inoculated compost / casing soil. The pH of the inoculated compost is preferably between 6 and 6.5. The term "caccing" refers to a partially grown inoculated compost, which is incorporated in the casing soil for easier initial growth of the mycelium in the casing soil. A homogeneous mixture of casing soil and caccing is preferred.

[0061] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises slurry and / or solid manure. Chemically, "manure" is a mixture of water, inorganic nutrients (minerals), and organic matter. The term "manure" may refer among other things to barnyard manure, pig manure, cattle manure, horse manure, and chicken manure. Manure generally consists of more or less digested animal excrement, whether or not mixed with straw. Important elements in manure are nitrogen (bound chemically in nitrate), phosphorus (bound in phosphate), potassium and magnesium. Next come the trace elements iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, boron and cobalt, to a varying extent. Fresh horse manure has a carbon / nitrogen (C / N) ratio that is favorable for bacteria. During digestion of fresh manure, the carbon content decreases and the relative nitrogen content increases, so that the fertilizing value increases; the fiber-like carbon-containing constituents are digested. The digestion of manure takes place under the action of bacteria, wherein heat, water and nutrients are released. In normal storage, this conversion process takes about a year. Composting can be accelerated by supplying oxygen and microorganisms, with intensive mixing.

[0062] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises horse manure, and / or chicken manure. The compost for growing white mushrooms is preferably made up of wheat straw (carbon source and structure), horse manure (for nutrients), chicken manure (or slurry (as nitrogen source)), gypsum (as acidity regulator) and water.

[0063] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the compost layer comprises straw, hay, and / or wood (chips). "Wood" is a natural composite consisting of cellulose (35 to 60% of the weight of dry wood), hemicellulose (20 to 30% of the weight of dry wood) and lignin (20 to 35% of the weight of dry wood). Cellulose forms a very strong fiber with high tensile strength, consisting of D-glucose. Cellulose is not easy to break down into smaller sugar units because multiple hydrogen bridges form between the closely packed cellulose molecules. Hemicellulose is mainly built up from the monomers xylose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose and arabinose, and forms a formless tangle, which surrounds the strong, long cellulose fibers and anchors them together. In the case of lignin, phenols, rather than sugar units, form the basis of the polymers. Lignin molecules form a strong, branched, interlinked network that is difficult to compress. Lignin also binds to cellulose and hemicellulose and thus forms, as it were, the glue that holds the wood fibers together. Lignin is even more difficultly degradable, biologically and chemically, than cellulose. Because lignin surrounds the other constituents of wood, lignin makes wood as a whole even more difficultly degradable. Wood may nevertheless decay, because in particular certain groups of fungi have specialized in the digestion of this ubiquitous raw material. In particular, damp and mechanically damaged wood will often finally be attacked by fungi. Some fungi live on the degradation products of cellulose fibers, hemicellulose and / or lignin. To do this, they pass extremely thin hyphae through between the thin layers in wood so as to be able, among other things, to deliver their degrading enzymes. The degradation of straw, hay and other plant residues may be compared to the degradation of wood.

[0064] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the substrate comprises cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose. According to one embodiment of the invention, the residual substrate, the compost, the mushroom growing layer and / or the container comprise cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0065] The dried fermented substrate and dried mycelium are preferably comprised in the dried residual substrate.

[0066] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step c) the residual substrate is mixed with an additional pulp, preferably a pulp based on paper and / or cardboard, preferably recycled paper and / or cardboard. According to one embodiment of the invention the pulp may comprise an additional pulp that is not derived from a residual substrate, preferably a pulp based on paper and / or cardboard, preferably recycled paper and / or cardboard. In some embodiments, the pulp comprises at least 1% to at most 99% of residual substrate, for example at least 2% to at most 98%, for example at least 5% to at most 95%, for example at least 10% to at most 90%, for example at least 20% to at most 80%, for example at least 30% to at most 70%, for example at least 40% to at most 60%, for example about 50% of residual substrate. In some embodiments, the pulp comprises at least 1% to at most 90% of additional pulp (preferably pulp based on paper and / or cardboard), for example at least 2% to at most 80%, for example at least 5% to at most 70%, for example at least 10% to at most 60%, for example at least 20% to at most 50%, for example at least 30% to at most 40% of additional pulp (preferably pulp based on paper and / or cardboard).

[0067] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step a 2< ), during growth of the mycelium and / or formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies, additional liquid nutrients and / or water are added.

[0068] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which proteins are added to the substrate, preferably to a concentration of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 or 150g proteins / kg compost. According to one embodiment of the invention, the proteins may be added to the compost and / or to the mushroom growing layer. Compost warms automatically after adding proteins. Traditionally, there is addition of 10-15 g proteins in growing beds per 1kg compost. At higher doses the compost may reach temperatures that are too high. When the mushrooms are grown in a limited growing layer or growing zone, the volume is smaller, so that the compost warms less quickly; the temperature is much better under control. More proteins may thus be added, preferably to a concentration of 50, 75, 100, 125 or 150g proteins / kg compost. According to one embodiment of the invention, this supplement may be the supplement Champfood from the company Champfood (Broekkant 10, 5446 PN Wanroij, the Netherlands). A homogeneous mixture of the supplement and the compost is preferred.

[0069] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which after step g), it further comprises the following steps: g 1< ) collecting the used empty containers after storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms or containers that comprise ripe or overripe mushrooms; g 2< ) optionally, adding water to the containers from step g 1< ); g 3< ) grinding the containers obtained from step g 1< ) or step g 2< ) with formation of a pulp; g 4< ) cooking the pulp; g 5< ) transferring the pulp into a die; g 6< ) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g 7< ) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a recycled container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

[0070] Alternatively, the method may also be carried out using a mixture consisting of residual substrate and recycled containers. "Overripe" mushrooms are mushrooms which, owing to maturation, are producing and / or disseminating spores.

[0071] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which in step b), 1-50 vol% water is added, relative to the volume of residual substrate; and / or in which in step g 2< ), 1-80 vol% water is added, relative to the volume of the containers. The percentage by volume of water that can be added may be for example 2-75 vol%, for example 5-70 vol%, for example 10-60 vol%, for example 15-50 vol%, for example 20-40 vol%, or for example 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 vol%, depending on the water content required for forming the pulp.

[0072] The invention also comprises a container manufactured by a method as described above. The "container" may be a deep or shallow tray, a deep or shallow dish. The container may comprise an open structure or a structure that is closable with an upper portion. When using a mold, the shape of the container may be determined by the shape of the transfer mold. When the transfer mold is removed from the mold for cooling, the dimensions of the container may be somewhat different (usually smaller) than when just removed from the mold.

[0073] On the one hand, the container of the invention may consist of a base portion, in which harvested mushrooms may be placed. Mushrooms may be introduced via an opening that is located at the top of the container. This opening may be closed, so that the mushrooms cannot fall out of the container during transport and / or handling. This portion may be closed by means of a closing system that forms the upper portion of the container. The upper portion is preferably easily detachable, but is stably sealed during transport or at the place of sale. The portion that makes coupling possible between the base portion and the upper portion is called the intermediate portion. This intermediate portion may form part of the upper portion and / or base portion. The closing system that may be used in the container of the invention is not limited to one type of system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is an adhesive system, a turning system, and / or a click system in the intermediate portion of the container as described above, so that the upper portion and the base portion of the container can be firmly fastened together.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a click system is used in the container as described above, comprising projecting horizontal clicking edge(s) on the inside of the upper portion of the container, and a (preferably interrupted, horizontal) clicking edge on the outer side of the base portion of the container at the level of the opening portion (see for example Fig. 3).

[0075] In Fig. 3, the walls of the container are shown as walls that are perpendicular to the base of the container. According to another embodiment of the invention, the perimeter of the container may be smaller at the base of the container relative to the perimeter of the container at the opening of the container (see Figs. 1 and 2). The angle between the lower portion (horizontal) and the vertical walls of the base portion may vary, preferably between 89.0 and 94.0°, preferably between 90.0 and 93.0°, for example between 91.0 and 92.0°, for example 89.0, 89.1, 89.2, 89.3, 89.4, 89.5, 89.6, 89.7, 89.8, 89.9, 90.0, 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3, 91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5, 92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7, 93.8, 93.9, 94.0°; more preferably 91.9°. A difference in perimeter thus arises between the base portion and opening portion of the base portion of the container (see Fig. 3). As a result, the transfer molds can easily be removed from the mold, several containers of the invention can easily be stacked on one another and be separated from one another, and the harvested mushrooms can be removed from the containers with a minimum of handling.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening portion of the base portion of the container may have a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and the base portion may have a height of about 1-20 cm. For example the perimeter of the opening portion of the base portion of the container may be 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 cm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base of the base portion of the container may be smaller than the perimeter of the opening portion of the container, for example may comprise a perimeter of about 8-190 cm. For example, the perimeter of the base of the base portion of the container may be 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, or 200 cm; preferably 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 cm. The height of the base portion may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 cm; preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 cm.

[0077] The perimeter of the upper portion of the container may vary between 10 and 200 cm, but with values that are usually somewhat greater than the values of the opening portion of the base portion of the used container. When using connecting closing systems, the perimeter of the upper portion of the container will thus be somewhat greater than the perimeter of the opening portion of the base portion of the container, so that tight closure of the container is possible, but the upper portion of the container can still be removed again easily. The tight closure may be achieved for example with a lid. When a tight closure is used, the height of the upper portion of the container may vary between 0.3-5.0 cm. For example, the height of the upper portion of the container may be 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0 cm, preferably 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5 cm, more preferably 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 cm.

[0078] The invention also comprises the use of the container as described above for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. In the context of consumer health awareness, preferably all components of the substrate used for the production of the container of the invention are of biological ("organic") origin. The result is thus a container that makes it possible for mushrooms to be stored, transported and / or sold under BIO ("organic") conditions, and after use, if necessary, can be composted with formation of BIO ("organic") compost.

[0079] The invention also comprises the use of a residual substrate comprising mushroom-fermented substrate, compost and / or manure for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms by a method as described above.

[0080] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, the use of a residual substrate as described above, in which the fermented substrate, the compost and / or manure comprises fermented cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

[0081] In the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, a container of the invention may be an open container (not closed off from the exterior space on the upper side of the interior space), or preferably a closed container (closed off from the exterior space on the upper side of the interior space). A closed container offers the possibility of keeping the storage conditions for the mushrooms more constant and reducing access of microbiological contaminants. An open container offers the possibility of quick and cheap handling of mushrooms.

[0082] The invention also comprises a method for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms comprising the steps of: i) manufacturing a container by a method as described above; ii) filling the container obtained from step i) with harvested mushroom fruiting bodies; iii) optionally, closing the container with a transparent upper portion; iv) optionally, transporting the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to the place of sale; and, v) optionally, selling the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to an intermediary and / or consumer.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the invention, the packaging is durable, esthetic, inexpensive and / or easily transportable, and preferably recyclable. A closed container allows favorable control of moisture and air, so that there is almost constant, low relative humidity in the interior space of the container. Not only excess moisture, but also certain gases, for example CO 2 formed by the mushrooms, can be removed from the container.

[0084] If a closed container is used, the upper portion of the container may be completely or partly transparent, so that the mushrooms are visible when purchased. The term "transparent" refers to the possibility of being able to see through it. In the case of a partly transparent upper portion, a viewing window may be present. The transparent upper portion may be a detached lid, with a turning and / or click system. Alternatively, the transparent upper portion may be a lid that is partly attached to the container, for example by a click system. On the other hand, the transparent upper portion may be a film.

[0085] When a lid is used, this may consist of a material that is identical to the material that is used for production of the container. On the other hand, some other material may be used for the lid, such as plastic, paper, softboard, cardboard, wood or combinations thereof.

[0086] The transparent upper portion may also form part of a flow wrap: a horizontal packaging form in which the container is enveloped, wherein single packs or multipacks may be formed.

[0087] The container may also have a sealing edge at the top of the base portion, on which a "top seal film", "top film", "sealing film", "closing film", or "film" may easily be applied by a heat sealing technique. On the other hand, a film may be fastened by means of a gluing system, such as a gluing gun, on the base portion of the container.

[0088] The transparent upper portion may comprise plastic, polyester (PES), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and multipurpose (MP) films. Preferably, the transparent upper portion is biodegradable, for example selected from among other bioplastics, polylactic acid (PLA).

[0089] The transparent upper portion may be single-layer or multilayer, optionally with perforations and / or anticondensation coating. The term "perforation" also comprises the terms "opening" and "ventilation openings". The number of perforations in the upper portion may vary, and determines the exchange capacity of the container for, among other things, moisture, air and CO 2 . Owing to the presence of the perforations in the upper portion of the container and the intra-spaces of the upper, intermediate and / or base portion of the container, there is an optimal air flow through the container, so that moisture and CO 2 in the container can easily be kept constant and / or regulated. The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a container as described above, in which the shape of the perforation is selected from the group consisting of a round shape, an oval shape, a linear shape, a polygonal shape, a multiplex, arbitrary or irregular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, and combinations thereof. Recognizable figures may also be used, such as a mushroom or flower pattern. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the invention, the size of the perforations may vary between ≥ 0.1 mm and ≤ 30 mm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the perforation may have a size of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 millimeters (mm) or combinations thereof. The size and numbers of the perforations may be adjusted depending on the size of the container, the larger the surface area of the container, and thus also of separate portions, the larger they may be and / or higher numbers may be applied. The larger the perforations, the more quickly air exchange (ventilation) takes place, but the possibility of contamination is also greater. A balance between the two is thus preferably respected, and can easily be determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the container may comprise an anticondensation coating (or water-repellent layer). The anticondensation coating may be located on and / or in the upper portion, intermediate portion and / or base portion of the container. The coating may be applied during or after production of the upper portion, intermediate portion and / or base portion of the container. Substances that may be used for coating the container of the invention and methods that may be used for coating the containers after production are known. Coatings and films used in one embodiment of the invention comply with the food directives.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, a container may be formed by pressing the pulp in a mold. The resultant transfer mold then already has a shape that is (almost) identical to the shape of the container as used for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms. Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the invention, the container may be formed by making a sheet structure first, which after cooling may be folded-up or folded further to a final container structure. The folded structure may be built up from several layers; each with its own composition.

[0092] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which at least after one of the various steps, a step of labeling the container is introduced. The labeling of the container may be carried out by printing on the container itself, or by adding a carrier that comprises the label. According to one embodiment of the invention, the label may comprise a logo and / or information for the storage, transport and sale of the mushrooms and may be applied on the base portion (see Fig. 3), intermediate portion and / or upper portion of the container. The label may provide a simple overview in the form of a two-dimensional inscription, or in the form of a fold-out document.

[0093] During transport, storage and / or sale, the container may be kept at room temperature, or may be cooled if desired. The invention also comprises, in one aspect, a method for the storage, transport and sale of the mushrooms as described above, in which the container with the harvested mushrooms may be cooled to a temperature that may be selected between 3 and 22°C; for example 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22°C, preferably up to 5°C. For cooling during transport, for example an air-conditioned refrigerated container may be used.

[0094] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which after the various steps, or at least after one of the various steps, a step of storage and / or packing is introduced.

[0095] The invention also comprises, in one embodiment, a method as described above, in which the various steps, or at least one of the various steps, is / are carried out automatically.

[0096] When an embodiment for a method is described herein, it is not excluded that the same embodiment may be applied for a use and / or container of the invention, and vice versa. The possibility of application is to be deduced from the context of the description.EXAMPLES

[0097] Fig. 1A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacture of this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of white mushrooms on its preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. No extra water was added, since the residual substrate contained sufficient moisture. Then the pulp was heated to 100 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of white mushrooms, was then filled with harvested white mushrooms (see Fig. 1B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of white mushrooms. The figure clearly indicates that there is no need for forming a homogeneous pulp; complex fibers may still be present and thus guarantee the presence of larger intra-spaces in the container. However, the greater the proportion of complex fibers, the rougher the container is, and pressing in the mold sometimes becomes difficult as a result. The complexity of the pulp depends on the initial substrate on which the mushrooms are grown, and the further fermentation and treatment of this to form the pulp. A person skilled in the art can easily, on the basis of the method as described in the present invention, optimize the conditions, with formation of a container as described herein.

[0098] Fig. 2A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacturing this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of oyster mushrooms on their preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. Some extra water was added to facilitate mixing. Then the pulp was heated to 90 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of oyster mushrooms, was than filled with harvested chestnut mushrooms (see Fig. 2B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of chestnut mushrooms.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention. The container (3), or base portion thereof, comprises an interior space (5) and an exterior space (6), separated by a container wall (7). The container wall (7) comprises dried fermented substrate (8) and dried mycelium (9), which form intra-spaces (10). The porosity of the container wall (7) allows diffusion of air and / or moisture (11) through the container wall (7). The container (3) comprises mushroom fruiting bodies (4). The container (3) also comprises a base portion (14) and an open portion (13). The open portion (13) may be closed with a lid (1) that may be connected by means of a connecting system (2) to the base portion (3). The container wall (7) may also comprise information and / or a logo (12).

Examples

examples

EXAMPLES

[0097]Fig. 1A shows a container manufactured using a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For manufacture of this container, in the first place residual substrate, derived from the growing of white mushrooms on its preferred substrate, was collected. Then the residual substrate was mixed mechanically to form a pulp. No extra water was added, since the residual substrate contained sufficient moisture. Then the pulp was heated to 100 degrees and boiled for 30 minutes. After transfer of the pulp into a mold, the pulp was pressed, resulting in a transfer mold. This transfer mold was then cooled and dried. A container could thus be manufactured as described in the present invention. This container, made of residual substrate derived from the growing of white mushrooms, was then filled with harvested white mushrooms (see Fig. 1B). This filled container was then wrapped in a flow wrap, so that the container could easily be used for the storage and transport of white ...

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of: a) collecting a residual substrate derived from the growing of mushrooms on a substrate; b) optionally, adding water to the residual substrate; c) mixing the residual substrate obtained from step a) or step b) to form a pulp; d) cooking the pulp; e) transferring the pulp into a die; f) pressing the pulp in the die, resulting in a transfer mold; and, g) cooling and drying the transfer mold, resulting in a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, before step a), the steps of: a1) inoculating a substrate, usable for growing mushrooms, with mycelium; a2) growing the mycelium in the substrate, with formation of the mushroom fruiting bodies on top of the substrate and a residual substrate comprising a fermented substrate and the grown mycelium; and, a3) separating the mushroom fruiting bodies and the residual substrate.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the mushrooms are selected from the group comprising for example white mushroom, chestnut mushroom, shiitake, wood blewit, nameko, parasol mushroom, horse mushroom, beech mushroom, chanterelle mushroom, enoli, morel, oyster mushroom, pied de mouton, pom pom blanc, portabella, trompette de la mort; preferably selected from the Agaricus bisporus group; preferably the white mushroom or the chestnut mushroom.

4. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, in which the mushrooms, from which the residual substrate is collected, are of the same Class, Order, Family, Genus, and / or Species as the mushrooms that are stored, transported and / or sold in the container.

5. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, in which the substrate comprises a compost layer and optionally a mushroom growing layer on top of the compost layer.

6. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, in which the compost layer comprises slurry and / or solid manure; and / or in which the compost layer comprises straw, hay, and / or wood (chips).

7. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, in which in step c) the residual substrate is mixed with an additional pulp, preferably a pulp based on paper.

8. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, in which the substrate comprises cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

9. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, in which the transfer mold comprises a round, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, multiplex, hexagonal, octagonal shape, or combinations thereof.

10. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, in which the transfer mold comprises a perimeter of about 10-200 cm and a height of about 1-20 cm.

11. A container manufactured by a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, preferably wherein the container contains mushrooms.

12. The use of the container as claimed in claim 11 for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms.

13. The use of a residual substrate comprising mushroom-fermented substrate, compost and / or manure for manufacturing a container for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms according to a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10.

14. The use as claimed in claim 13, in which the fermented substrate, the compost and / or manure comprise fermented cellulose, lignin and / or hemicellulose.

15. A method for the storage, transport and / or sale of mushrooms, said method comprising the steps of: i) manufacturing a container by a method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10; ii) filling the container obtained from step i) with harvested mushroom fruiting bodies; iii) optionally, closing the container with a transparent upper portion; iv) optionally, transporting the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to the place of sale; and, v) optionally, selling the container with the mushroom fruiting bodies to an intermediary and / or consumer.

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