Maintaining the Quality and Nutritional Integrity of Chilled Cordyceps sinensis: Comparative Effects and Mechanisms of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and UV-Based Interventions

<i>Cordyceps sinensis</i> (<i>C. sinensis</i>) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and associated health benefits. However, due to its delicate nature, conventional chilled storage often results in the rapid degradation of valuable compounds, leading to loss of nutritional value and overall quality. This study integrated and evaluated comprehensive strategies: three gas-conditioning and two light-based preservation methods for maintaining both quality and nutritional integrity during 12-day chilled storage at 4 °C. The results revealed that vacuum packaging significantly inhibited weight loss (3.49%) compared to in the control group (10.77%) and preserved sensory quality (<i>p</i> < 0.05). UV-based interventions notably suppressed polyphenol oxidase and tyrosinase activities by 36.4% and 29.7%, respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 80% N₂ and 20% CO₂ (MAP-N₂CO₂) maintained higher levels of cordycepin (1.77 µg/g) and preserved energy charge above 0.7 throughout storage. The results suggest that MAP-based treatments are superior methods for the chilled storage of <i>C. sinensis</i>, with diverse advantages and their corresponding shelf lives associated with different gas compositions.