WHAT IS INSTANT CAFÉ?

Instant coffee is a beverage derived from coffee in the form of coffee powder and has been seasoned to taste and is processed by the dry roasting and grinding method. Instant coffee can be used immediately by mixing it with boiling water and stirring well. This type of coffee is very convenient to use, can be stored for a long time and is easy to use.

PROCESSING OF INSTANT COFFEE

The instant coffee processing process goes through three steps to dehydrate the coffee, converting the coffee into small powder-like particles. The three steps are: Pre-stripping, soluble coffee solids and drying.

• First-stage reduction: Before reducing solutes, volatile compounds are removed. Usually this is done by passing steam through the roasted and ground coffee.
• Removal of coffee soluble substances: Water is used as a solvent. Solutes can be removed in three ways: percolation batteries, counter-current system and slurry extraction.
  
  • Filter reduction method: Coffee is kept in a tube system by the cafe fin. Hot water is then passed through the system and removes the dissolved substances in the coffee. These substances are separated from the system, and the coffee after extraction is discharged.
  • Reduction method using the "reverse water" system: Coffee is kept in an inclined trough, then pushed upward by two screws rotating at high speed. Hot water is then introduced into the upper part of the trough, causing the dissolved substances in the coffee to be reduced and the solution to escape through the bottom of the trough.
  • Demixing method: Coffee and water are mixed together in a tank, then separated by a centrifugal pump.

• Drying: There are two main methods used for drying: Freeze drying and Spray drying.

• Freeze drying: In this method, the water in the coffee evaporates, leaving behind a solution with a high concentration of coffee. The solution is then cooled to -40oC, creating ice crystals. Thanks to the process of sublimation (solid turning into vapor), the rock is separated from the crystal. The remaining dry beans are instant coffee.
• Spray drying method: After natural evaporation, the concentrated coffee solution is sprayed from a high tower into a hot air chamber. The circulation of hot air in this chamber separates the water from the solution and leaves behind dry coffee powder.

According to Cafefin