Recently there has been an increase in instant coffee on the market. Previously, it was taboo to even use the words “instant” and “coffee” together in the same sentence, however, that could possibly be changing.
How Did Instant Coffee Start
Instant coffee originally rose in popularity during the industrial revolution and World War II Era due to its ease of use on the battlefields and workplace environments. While it was more convenient, it obviously lacked the ability to produce the same quality cup of coffee that can be produced with fresh ground coffee brewed traditionally.
Current Trends in Instant Coffee
Traditionally, instant coffee was dehydrated using the “spray drying” method. The problem with this method is that it strips the coffee of most of its aromatic compounds and results in a significant loss of flavor and cup quality.
Then steps in the new method of making instant coffee: Freeze Drying.
Freeze drying coffee creates instant coffee that preserves significantly more of its flavor compounds. This method of preserving coffee is the same method used to preserve DNA and blood among other volatile compounds.
This new progress in processes used to make instant coffee has produced a significantly better cup of coffee. The draw that specialty instant coffee has is that the consumer is able to brew a high-quality cup of coffee without needing all of the gear and expertise that typical coffee enthusiasts insist on.
Final Thoughts on Instant Coffee
While we don’t recommend you switching to instant coffee full-time, we do think it is worth trying and possibly keeping on hand for when you are traveling or camping.
Happy Coffee Drinking!
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