Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method for the manufacture of a freeze-dried coffee powder, the method comprising:

providing a coffee extract having from 40 wt % to 55 wt % solids;adding gas to the coffee extract in an amount of from 1 NL/kg to 5 NL/kg of coffee extract, to provide a gas-containing coffee extract at above atmospheric pressure;depressurising the gas-containing coffee extract to form a foamed coffee extract;cooling the foamed coffee extract to below −40° C. without shear, or with low shear, to form a frozen coffee extract,grinding the frozen coffee extract to a powder; anddrying the powder,wherein the step of cooling the foamed coffee extract to below −40° C. comprises: (i) cooling the foamed coffee extract to a first temperature;(ii) cooling the foamed coffee extract from the first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature; and(iii) cooling the foamed coffee extract from the second temperature to below −40° C., wherein the first temperature is 1° C. above a freezing point of the foamed coffee extract and wherein the second temperature is 3° C. below the freezing point,wherein step (ii) has a duration of from 5 to 90 minutes, preferably 10 to 60 minutes.

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First Claim