Beverage portioned package for preparing a foamy beverage from soluble powder

Abstract

A beverage portioned package for preparing a beverage in an extraction device of which the package is held or clamped between a water supplying part and a receiver of the device. The package has a first surface for the water to be forced to flow there through under pressure when the package is held or clamped in the device; a second surface for the flow of beverage to be forced to flow there through so to be collected in the receiver, wherein the package contains a portion of water-soluble beverage material and a portion of a filler. The filler comprising water insoluble material adapted to maintain the extraction pressure above the pressure created by the sole resistance of the first and second surfaces when the package is emptied of said soluble material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a beverage portioned package with soluble powder for preparing a foamy beverage in an extraction device in which the package is held or clamped and water is injected under pressure therethrough. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Foamed beverages, such as espresso, cappuccino or latte can be dispensed from portioned packages that are placed inside a beverage machine. Pre-metered and pre-packed portions of coffee and the like for the preparation of coffee-based beverages facilitate the preparation of the beverage while ensuring that the dose-to-dose quality and strength of the beverage remains constant for the same conditions of preparations (dosage, temperature, pressure, time, etc.). It also provides convenience to the user. The portioned package usually sits in a leak-tight enclosure of an espresso type coffee machine, and hot water is passed under pressure through the portion of coffee. A receiver forming the underside of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The filler performs to maintain a sufficient pressure of extraction during extraction of the portioned package while the water-soluble beverage material progressively dissolves in water, as water passes through the package to release the beverage. The pressure inside the portioned package, which can be so maintained at a sufficient level until the portion of soluble material has been dissolved, contributes to ensure that the beverage delivers the desired solids concentration and that a sufficient amount of foam is also created. These properties are significantly improved over portioned packages that do not include such a filler. For packages comprising flexible walls, the filler also acts to maintain the proper volume and size of the package during and after the extraction process and prevent the package from collapsing in the extraction chamber.

[0009] Preferably, the filler is configured for avoiding a drop of the pressure of extraction. Thanks to the filler, the maximum pressure reduction during the extraction of the package can be maintained lower than 0.2 bars, preferably lower than 0.05 bar, until full completion of the beverage delivery.

Problems solved by technology

However, they are not well adapted to prepare, from soluble powder, a beverage with a sufficient solids concentration and decent foam.

In this regard, it has been found that the pressure in the portioned package would tend to drop rapidly before the end of the beverage delivery.

The drop of pressure is detrimental to a full dissolution of the powder in the package, consequently, it is detrimental to the control of the solids concentration in the final liquid delivered since soluble material does not dissolve entirely and some soluble material remains in the package.

This patent, however, does not remedy the deficiencies of the art.

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