Instant Coffee

Abstract

This chapter begins with discussions on various operations, i.e., extraction, concentration, and drying, using manufacturing process of instant coffee as an example. Solid-liquid extraction, the same as that employed for obtaining coffee extract from coffee beans, is widely used in food processing. First, we elaborate on how to describe extraction efficiency and extraction rate; we then turn to calculation method of extraction time. Next, we introduce the most widely used equipment in food processing, the evaporative concentrator, and also discuss the calculations involved. Finally, the chapter presents the principles and characteristics of spray-drying and freeze-drying prior to discussing the expression of amount of water vapor contained in air and the design of dryers.