The Effect of Moisture Content on the Conversion of Ergosterol to Vitamin D in Shiitake Mushrooms

The distribution of ergosterol in different parts of shiitake mushrooms was studied in order to optimize the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2 during drying. The effect of moisture on the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2 was also investigated by adjusting the moisture content of fresh mushrooms to different levels in a large vacuum desiccator and subjecting them to UV irradiation at 290–320 nm wavelength, for 2 h. The moisture, ergosterol and vitamin D2 contents were determined using standard procedures. It was found that the ergosterol content on a dry matter basis of fresh shiitake mushroom was highest in the gills (10.6 ± 0.99 mg/g DM), followed by the cap or pileus (5.34 ± 0.64 mg/g DM) and was least in the stalk or stipe (2.97 ± 0.56). The moisture content had a marked influence on the conversion of ergosterol to vitamin D2, the best conversion taking place at a moisture content of about 70% on a wet basis.