Instant coffee powder from Spain

A story filled with moments of enjoyment

Do you know the history of your favorite coffee? Discover the rich and fascinating history of instant coffee, which dates back to the late 19th century! It all began in 1890 when New Zealander David Strang invented a method for dehydrating coffee, paving the way for the global spread of instant coffee. Although many believe that Japanese scientist Satori Kato discovered instant coffee in 1901, Strang’s contribution came first.

By the 1930s, instant coffee already had two varieties: regular and decaf, with the latter being particularly innovative. The evolution continued in 1965 with the development of the “freeze-drying" method, which improved the quality and popularity of instant coffee. By the 1980s, there were over 100 different flavors!

Today, instant coffee is a daily routine of many people’s everyday life. From the classic hot instant coffee to the refreshing cold frappe, it continues to offer convenience, pleasure, and a boost to all coffee lovers.

The Greek patent that conquered the world!

The discovery of the cold version of instant coffee known as frappe, is credited to Dimitris Vakondios, an employee of Nestlé. The creation of the frappe happened by chance at the Thessaloniki International Fair in 1957. During the exhibition, Vakondios wanted to make an instant coffee but didn’t have hot water. So, he decided to use cold water, sugar, and shake the mixture in a shaker. The result was a refreshing and foamy cold coffee, which quickly became popular in Greece and established itself as the favorite summer beverage of the Greeks. This simple and imaginative idea gave birth to the frappe, which remains one of the most beloved coffee beverages to this day.

How is instant coffee produced?

The myth that instant coffee is of inferior quality is debunked by its production process, as it is a 100% natural product. The process begins with selecting the variety of coffee beans. Instant coffee can be made from Robusta or Arabica varieties, offering a mild, less bitter taste or a more intense, full-bodied flavor, respectively. The coffee cherries are harvested and hulled to reveal the valuable green beans, which are carefully selected to ensure a rich aroma and robust flavor. The beans are then roasted at specific temperatures until they achieve the characteristic dark color and are subsequently ground into a uniform powder.

The most significant part of instant coffee production is the sequential filtering process, where the coffee powder passes through special filters to remove any sediment. This process is repeated until absolute purity is achieved, making instant coffee one of the most refined and clean coffee products available. The final step is dehydration, where the coffee powder is transformed into instant coffee ready to reach our homes. 

Why choose instant coffee?

There are several reasons to enjoy instant coffee, whether hot or cold, plain, sweet, or with milk, however you prefer it.

Convenience and quick process: Instant coffee is very easy and quick to prepare. Just add hot or cold water and you are ready to enjoy it, without the need of special equipment.

Easy storage and long shelf life: Instant coffee has a long shelf life and stores easily without losing its freshness and quality.

Economy: Instant coffee is often more economical compared to other types of coffee, as it does not require expensive equipment or preparation process.

Consistent taste and quality: Each cup of instant coffee offers a consistent taste and quality, as the production process ensures uniformity.

Multiple ways of consumption: You can enjoy instant coffee hot, cold (frappe), with milk, or even combined with sweets and desserts.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• ½ glass cold milk
• Some ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Pour the coffee, sugar, and hot water in a container. Beat well with a hand mixer or spoon at a fast pace.
2. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Pour the cold milk into a glass and add the ice cubes.
4. Add the coffee mixture on top. You will see that the coffee stays and does not fall into the milk. Serve the cold coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup milk of your choice

Instructions:

1. Pour instant coffee into a cappuccino mug and add water.
2. Mix evenly with a spoon for 20 seconds until the instant coffee is fully dissolved.
3. Add sugar and mix well until you get a light brown, cream-like consistency.
4. Pour milk into a saucepan and whisk for about 2 minutes until it becomes frothy.
5. Bring the milk to a boil and immediately remove it from the heat.
6. Carefully pour the hot and frothy milk into the mug, on top of the coffee mixture.
7. Mix with a spoon and enjoy!