I've seen my fair share of coffee trends come and go. But one thing that's always been a staple in many Aussie homes is instant coffee. Whether you're in a rush or just can't be bothered with the whole brewing process, instant coffee can be a real lifesaver.
Instant coffee might not have the same street cred as freshly roasted coffee beans, but it's got its place in our caffeine-fueled lives. It's quick, easy, and can be surprisingly delicious if you know a few tricks. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of instant coffee, from the basics to some fancy techniques that'll make your mates think you've become a proper barista overnight.
Key Takeaways
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Instant coffee is a super easy way to get your caffeine fix.
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There are plenty of ways to jazz up your instant coffee.
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With a few tricks, you can make instant coffee taste almost as good as the real deal.
What is Instant Coffee?
Let's start with the basics. Instant coffee is basically coffee that's been brewed, dried, and turned into a fine powder or coffee granules. It's made from real coffee beans, usually a mix of Arabica and Robusta, that have been roasted, ground, and brewed before being dehydrated.
This process leaves you with coffee that dissolves quickly in hot water, hence the name "instant".
Benefits of Instant Coffee
Now, you might be wondering why anyone would choose instant coffee over a freshly brewed cup. Well, here are a few reasons:
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It's quick and easy, perfect for busy mornings or when you're on the go.
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No fancy coffee equipment is needed - just a kettle and a mug.
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It has a long shelf life, especially if stored in an airtight container.
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It's generally more affordable than buying fresh or roasted coffee beans.
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You can easily control its strength.
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It's available in different flavours and types to suit various tastes.
Instant Coffee vs. Brewed Coffee
Look, I'm not gonna lie – freshly roasted coffee beans brewed in a moka pot or espresso machine will always have the edge when it comes to flavour. But instant coffee has come a long way, and some brands are pretty decent these days.
Brewed coffee generally has a more complex, nuanced flavour. However, instant coffee wins hands down on ease and speed.
While brewed coffee typically packs a stronger caffeine content and offers coffee enthusiasts a broader range of brewing techniques to explore, instant coffee has its own merits in terms of consistency and shelf life.
Commercial Production of Instant Coffee
Large manufacturers use more complex procedures to create powder coffee that meets global demands. The process involves several stages, each crucial for producing high-quality instant coffee on a massive scale.
Bean Selection and Blending
Manufacturers start by carefully selecting coffee beans, often using a blend of Arabica and Robusta varieties. Arabica beans contribute to flavour complexity, while Robusta beans add strength and create better crema.
Roasting
The selected beans are roasted in large industrial roasters. The coffee bean roasting process is carefully controlled to achieve the desired flavour profile and aroma. Different roast levels may be used to create various instant coffee products.
Grinding
After roasting, the beans are ground into a fine powder. The grind size is crucial as it affects the extraction process in the next stage.
Extraction
The ground coffee is then loaded into large percolators or extraction batteries. Hot water is forced through the ground coffee under high pressure, extracting the coffee's flavour, aroma, and oils. This process creates a concentrated coffee extract.
Filtration
The resulting coffee extract is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles, ensuring a smooth final product.
Concentration
The filtered coffee extract is then concentrated by removing some of the water. This is typically done through evaporation or freeze concentration techniques.
Drying
The concentrated coffee extract is then dried to create the instant coffee powder or granules. There are two main methods used for this:
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Spray Drying:
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The coffee extract is sprayed as a fine mist into a chamber with hot air (about 250°C).
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As the droplets fall, they quickly dry into a fine powder.
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This method is faster and more economical, but it can affect the coffee's flavour.
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Freeze Drying:
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The coffee extract is frozen at about -40°C.
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The frozen coffee is broken into small granules.
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These granules are then dried at a low temperature under a vacuum.
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This method better preserves the coffee's flavour but is more expensive.
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Aromatisation
Some manufacturers add back coffee aromas (captured during the roasting process) to enhance the final product's smell and taste.
For some products, the coffee powder undergoes an agglomeration process. This creates larger, more soluble granules that dissolve more easily in water.
Packaging
The final instant coffee product is quickly packed into airtight containers to preserve freshness. Depending on the product line, this might include glass jars, tin cans, or single-serve sachets.
Quality Control
Strict quality control measures are in place throughout the process. This includes testing for consistency in flavour, aroma, solubility, and moisture content.
Basic Method for Making Instant Coffee at Home
While it's not easy to make true instant coffee at home, we can create a quick-dissolving coffee concentrate that serves a similar purpose.
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Start with high-quality, freshly roasted beans. A blend of Arabica and Robusta works well. You can even roast your coffee beans at home.
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Grind the beans to a fine powder, similar to what you'd use for espresso.
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Brew a very strong pot of coffee. Use about 1 cup of ground coffee per 3 cups of water.
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Strain the brewed coffee through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any grounds.
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Pour the strained coffee into a large, shallow baking dish.
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Place the dish in your oven on the lowest heat setting (around 70°C or 160°F) or use a food dehydrator.
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Allow the coffee to slowly evaporate, stirring occasionally, until it forms a thick paste. This can take several hours.
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Remove it from the heat once it reaches a paste consistency and let it cool completely.
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Once cooled, break the paste into small pieces and grind it into a powder or granules using a coffee grinder or food processor.
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Store your homemade instant coffee in an air-sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Preparing a Cup of Instant Coffee
Now, let's discuss how to make a delicious cup of coffee using store-bought granules, freeze-dried coffee, or homemade coffee powder.
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Boil the kettle: Start with fresh, cold water for the best taste.
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Prepare your coffee mug: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee to your mug. Adjust the strength to your preferred level.
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Cool the water slightly: After boiling, let the water sit for about 30 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
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Pour the water: Add about 250ml of hot water to your mug. Leave room for milk if desired.
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Stir well: Give it a good stir for 10-15 seconds to fully dissolve the granules.
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Taste test: Take a sip and adjust if needed. Add more water if it is too strong, or remember to use more coffee powder next time if it is too weak.
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Customise your cup: Now's the time to add milk, sugar, or other additions:
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For a creamy coffee: Add a splash of dairy, almond, or your preferred milk alternative.
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For a sweeter taste: Stir in sugar or your favourite sweetener.
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For extra flavour: Try a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of cocoa powder.
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For a smooth coffee: Froth your milk before adding it to the coffee or add a small amount of coconut oil or unsalted butter and blend it.
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Final stir: Give your coffee a final mix to ensure everything's well combined.
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Enjoy: Your perfect cup of instant coffee is ready to drink!
Remember, making the perfect coffee is about finding the right balance for your taste buds.
Instant Coffee Recipes
Are you looking for a great instant coffee recipe? Here are other methods of making coffee.
Instant Iced Coffee
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Mix two teaspoons of instant coffee with two tablespoons of hot water.
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Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar (or more if you've got a sweet tooth).
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Add a cup of cold milk and a handful of ice.
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Give it a good shake in a cocktail shaker or jar.
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Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!
Instant Mocha
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Mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee with 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder.
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Add a splash of hot water and stir to make a smooth paste.
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Pour in hot milk and stir well.
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Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a bit of indulgence.
Caramel Latte
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Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in hot water.
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Add a dollop of caramel sauce and stir.
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Pour in hot milk and froth it up if you're feeling fancy.
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Top with a drizzle of caramel for that cafe look.
Best Recipe for Instant Coffee: The Aussie Twist
This recipe aims to create a more robust taste and a more complex flavour profile reminiscent of coffee made from freshly ground beans.
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Start with 2 heaping teaspoons of high-quality instant coffee in your cup.
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Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavour.
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Cool boiled water for 30 seconds and pour it (about 2 tablespoons) into your cup.
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Stir the mixture vigorously with a spoon until it forms a smooth, dark paste.
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In a separate container, combine 1/4 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of milk powder. This creates a creamier texture.
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Heat this milk mixture until it's warm but not boiling.
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Slowly add the warm milk to your coffee paste, stirring continuously.
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For a stronger taste, use less water and milk in the previous steps.
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If desired, add sugar to taste. For a twist, try brown sugar or a sugar substitute.
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For an extra indulgent touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
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As a final flourish, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Optional variations:
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For an iced version, follow steps 1-4, then add cold milk and pour over frozen coffee cubes (made by freezing leftover brewed coffee).
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Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder in step 1 for a mocha twist.
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Experiment with different types of creamer or plant-based milks for unique flavours.
This recipe combines elements of traditional brewing methods with the convenience of instant coffee, resulting in a cup that's a cut above your average instant brew. It's perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something a bit special without the fuss of grinding beans and operating complicated machinery.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cup of Coffee
Here are some top tips to make your instant coffee taste like it's come straight from a hipster cafe:
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Keep your instant coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
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Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or caramel syrup for a richer flavour.
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Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
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Use a milk frother to create frothy milk for a cafe-like experience at home.
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Try different brands of instant coffee – some are way better than others.
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Add a pinch of salt to cut through any bitterness.
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Use fresh, cold water for boiling.
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Don't use boiling water – let it cool for 30 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
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Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect strength.
Summary
There you have it, folks – everything you need to know about making a delicious cup of instant coffee. From the primary method to some fancy recipes, you can make a perfect cup no matter how busy your day is.
Remember, the key to great instant coffee is experimenting and finding what works for you. So don't be afraid to mix things up and try new flavours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct way to make instant coffee?
The correct way to make instant coffee is to add 1-2 teaspoons to your mug, pour in hot (not boiling) water, stir well, and add milk and sugar to taste. But really, the "correct" way is whatever tastes best to you!
How do you make instant coffee coffee?
Start with high-quality instant coffee granules or powder to ensure your instant coffee tastes as robust and satisfying as brewed coffee. Use filtered water below boiling temperature to extract optimal flavour without scalding the coffee. Stir well to dissolve the granules completely, and consider adding milk or sweeteners to enhance the taste to your preference.
These steps will help elevate the quality of your instant coffee, delivering a delicious and enjoyable cup every time.
What are the steps for instant coffee?
To make instant coffee, follow these simple steps:
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Boil water.
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Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee to your mug.
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Pour in hot water.
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Stir until dissolved.
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Add milk and sugar if desired.
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Enjoy your coffee!
How to make NESCAFÉ instant coffee?
NESCAFÉ instant coffee is made just like any other instant coffee. Follow similar steps: boil water, add coffee powder, adjust the hot water to suit your taste, and stir. NESCAFÉ often recommends 1 teaspoon of coffee per 200ml of water, but feel free to make it stronger or weaker. You can even add sugar or creamer if desired.