Beverage production method and system

Abstract

The invention discloses a preparation method of various beverages. The beverage preparation method may include purifying a first portion of the extract with a reverse osmosis process. The method may also include concentrating a second portion of the extract with a freeze concentration process, the first portion of the extract being separated from the second portion of the extract. The method may also include spray-drying the first portion of the extract and the second portion of the extract to produce a dried particle. The ratio of the first portion of the extract to the second portion of the extract may be at least 3: 1.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 366,355, filed on June 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preparing beverages, such as, in certain embodiments, systems and methods for preparing beverages using reverse osmosis and freeze concentration methods.

[0004] Description of some related technologies

[0005] The process of preparing the beverage may include roasting the coffee beans or coffee grounds, extracting the coffee from the coffee grounds (such as hot or cold brew), and processing the extract. The extract may then be concentrated. Summary of the invention

[0006] The systems, methods and devices of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is fully capable of achieving the desirable qualities disclosed herein.

[0007] The extract can be processed by filtering and / or concentrating the extract, for example, by purifying the extract by removing precipitates and / or solids. Reverse osmosis processes can be used to concentrate the extract. Freeze concentration processes can be used to concentrate the extract. These processes can be used to make hot-brewed soluble coffee, cold-brewed soluble coffee, hot-concentrated soluble coffee, or freeze-dried coffee. These soluble or freeze-dried coffees can then be reconstituted to produce a shelf-stable beverage. Process treatments typically dilute or thin the final beverage. Minimizing precipitates while maintaining the body and flavor of the beverage produced can be a challenge.

[0008] In one aspect, the method of producing a beverage may include purifying a first portion of the extract by reverse osmosis and concentrating a second portion of the extract by freeze concentration. The second portion of the extract may be separated from the first portion of the extract. The method may also include spray drying the first portion of the extract and the second portion of the extract to produce dry particles. The ratio of the first portion of the extract to the second portion of the extract is at least 3:1.

[0009] In some configurations, the first portion of the extract may not be subjected to freeze concentration. The second portion of the extract may not be subjected to reverse osmosis. The ratio of the first portion of the extract to the second portion of the extract may be at least 4:1. The ratio of the first portion of the extract to the second portion of the extract may be at least 9:1. The method may also include combining the first portion of the extract and the second portion of the extract before spray drying. Spray drying may include spray drying the first portion of the extract separately from the second portion of the extract to produce a first portion of dry particles, and spray drying the second portion of the extract separately from the first portion of the extract to produce a second portion of dry particles. The method may also include combining the first portion of dry particles and the second portion of dry particles after spray drying. The extract may include cold brew coffee. The extract may include hot brew coffee. The method may also include roasting the extraction material. The method may also include introducing an extraction medium into the extraction material to extract the extract from the extraction material. In some configurations, the extraction medium may include water. The temperature of the extraction medium may be between 15°C and 30°C. The temperature of the extraction medium may be below 30°C. The method may also include reconstituting the dried particles to produce a beverage. The dried particles may be reconstituted with water. In some configurations, purifying the first portion of the extract by reverse osmosis can include purifying the first portion to a dilute solution having a concentration between 20 Bx and 40 Bx. In some configurations, concentrating the second portion of the extract by freeze concentration can include concentrating the second portion of the extract to a concentration between 35 Bx and 45 Bx.

[0010] In another aspect, a system for producing a beverage may include a brewer configured to receive an extraction material and an extraction medium flow to produce an extract. The system may also include a reverse osmosis system configured to receive a first portion of the extract. The system may also include a freeze concentration system configured to receive a second portion of the extract, the second portion of the extract being separated from the first portion of the extract. The system may also include a spray drying chamber configured to receive the first portion of the extract and / or the second portion of the extract to produce spray-dried particles. The ratio of the first portion of the extract to the second portion of the extract may be at least 3:1. The system may also include a reconstitution system for receiving the first portion of the extract and / or the second portion of the extract. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For the purpose of illustration, various embodiments are depicted in the drawings, which should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary flow chart embodying a method of producing a beverage is depicted.

[0013] Figure 2 is an illustrative system of an embodiment of a system for producing a beverage.

[0014] Figure 3 Another exemplary flow chart embodying a method of producing a beverage is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Many embodiments described herein relate to extracting coffee beans (e.g., roasted coffee or espresso beans) to produce an extract, such as a coffee extract, such as cold or hot brewed coffee. For example, in some embodiments, the material to be extracted, also referred to herein as an "extraction material," may be a coffee beverage, such as espresso or coffee. The coffee beans may be any variety or species from anywhere in the world. For example, Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee, and any mixture of Arabica and Robusta coffee from any region of the world (e.g., Brazil, Indonesia, Central America, Africa, etc.). In some embodiments, the extraction material may be an edible substance, or may be at least one of green coffee cherries, red coffee cherries, coffee flowers, coffee cherry pulp, coffee cherry stems, coffee cherry exocarp, or coffee cherry mesocarp in whole or in part. However, it should be understood that certain features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to beverages other than coffee extracts, such as teas and other similar infusions and / or juices. For example, in other embodiments, the extraction material may be green tea leaves and / or partially or completely dehydrated tea leaves. In other embodiments, the extraction material may include fruit, nuts or similar plant matter, including vanilla beans, chocolate beans, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, peanuts, cinnamon, mint, apples, apricots, aromatic bitters, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, celery, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, juniper berries, brandy, cachaça, carrots, citrus, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, coconuts, menthol, ginger, licorice, milk, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peaches, pears, peppers, etc. Therefore, the description herein is not limited to espresso, coffee, coffee products, tea or tea products.

[0016] Certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to extracts in the form of hot or cold extracts. In certain configurations, the extracts may be coffee extracts, tea extracts, juices, herbal extracts, and the like. In addition, the term hot extract is broadly used to refer to extracts prepared using an extraction medium at a temperature exceeding 100°C. Similarly, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to extracts in the form of cold extracts. In addition, the term cold extract is broadly used to refer to extracts prepared using an extraction medium not exceeding 100°C. For example, in certain configurations described herein, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, in certain embodiments between 15°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments between 15°C and 30°C. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be a liquid, such as water, but in certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be another liquid. In certain embodiments, as described below, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when it is added to the extraction unit and / or when it is added to the extraction unit without heating or otherwise actively changing the temperature of the extraction medium (e.g., water) obtained from its source. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium exceeds 100°C.

[0017] Likewise, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to certain processes as reverse osmosis. The term reverse osmosis is broadly used to refer to processes that use partially permeable membranes and applied pressure to purify extracts, particularly to remove precipitates or solids.

[0018] Likewise, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to certain processes as freeze concentration. The term freeze concentration is broadly used to refer to a process of concentrating an extract by freezing the water content of the extract and removing the crystals formed by freezing. The temperature used during freeze concentration is below 0°C, and in certain embodiments, the temperature ranges from -2°C to -10°C.

[0019] Likewise, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to certain processes as spray drying. The term spray drying is broadly used to refer to a process for producing particles by drying an extract (which may be concentrated and / or purified prior to drying), such as dried particles or soluble materials (such as soluble coffee). Spray drying can include atomizing or spraying the extract. Spray drying can also include applying high temperatures to evaporate water and form dry particles.

[0020] Likewise, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to certain processes as freeze drying. The term freeze drying is broadly used to refer to a process for producing particles, such as dried particles or soluble materials (such as soluble coffee), by drying an extract (which may be concentrated and / or purified prior to drying) using a freezing method. Freeze drying can include lowering the temperature of the extract to below a threshold temperature to induce sublimation and removing ice crystals formed by sublimation. Freeze drying can also include applying low pressure to the extract. Freeze drying can advantageously produce dry particles or soluble materials that have never been heated, which can eliminate many off-flavors.

[0021] Various beverage preparation systems and methods are described below to illustrate various embodiments that can achieve one or more desired improvements. These embodiments are only for illustration and are not intended to limit the general disclosure and various aspects and features provided by the present disclosure in any way. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than the embodiments and applications discussed herein. In fact, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggested herein. In many embodiments described herein, the beverage preparation system is described as producing hot-extracted soluble coffee, cold-extracted soluble coffee, hot-concentrated soluble coffee or freeze-dried coffee. Then, these soluble or freeze-dried coffees can be redissolved to produce storage-resistant beverages. However, it should be understood that some features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to other beverages except coffee products, so the description herein is not limited to coffee products.

[0022] Although certain aspects, advantages and features are described herein, it is not required that any particular embodiment include or realize any or all of these aspects, advantages and features. Some embodiments may not realize the advantages described herein, but may realize other advantages. Any structure, feature or step in any embodiment may be used to replace or supplement any structure, feature or step in any other embodiment, or be omitted. The present disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure or step is essential or indispensable.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary method 100 is shown in connection with various beverage preparation systems. As shown, in some embodiments, method 100 may begin at block 102 by roasting or otherwise processing an extraction material, which in one exemplary embodiment may be coffee beans. The processed extraction material may then be extracted with an extraction medium (e.g., water) at block 104. The temperature of the extraction medium may be hot, ambient, or cold.

[0024] As described above, "hot" can refer to an extract prepared using an extraction medium that is over 100°C. "Cold" is used to broadly refer to an extract prepared using an extraction medium that is not more than 100°C. For example, in certain configurations described herein, the extraction medium can be between 0°C and 100°C. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium can be between 10°C and 30°C, in certain embodiments between 15°C and 30°C, and in certain embodiments between 15°C and 30°C. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium can be a liquid, such as water, although in certain embodiments, the extraction medium can be another liquid. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when the extraction medium is added to the extraction unit as described below and / or added to the extraction unit without heating or otherwise actively changing the temperature of the extraction medium (e.g., water) obtained from its source.

[0025] At box 106, a portion (e.g., the first portion) of the extract produced at box 104 may be treated by reverse osmosis using a partially permeable membrane and applying pressure to remove any solids or precipitates to purify the extract portion. After the reverse osmosis treatment, the extract may be purified into a dilute or concentrated solution. In some embodiments, the concentration of the dilute solution may be between 20 Bx and 30 Bx, and in some embodiments, the concentration is 25 Bx.

[0026] At block 108, a portion (e.g., the second portion) of the extract produced at block 104 may be treated with a freeze concentration process to concentrate the extract by freezing the water content of the extract and removing the crystals formed by freezing. After the freeze concentration process, the extract may have a concentration of between 35 Bx and 45 Bx, and in some embodiments, a concentration of 40 Bx.

[0027] As shown, the square frame 104 and 106 of method 100 can be carried out substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, square frame 104 and 106 can be carried out sequentially in any order. The first part of the extract treated with reverse osmosis in square frame 106 is not treated with freeze concentration. Similarly, the second part of the extract treated with freeze concentration in square frame 108 is not treated with reverse osmosis. In some embodiments, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% of the extract is treated with reverse osmosis. In some embodiments, 50% to 10%, 40% to 10%, 30% to 10%, or 20% to 10% of the extract is treated with freeze concentration. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first part treated with reverse osmosis to the second part treated with freeze concentration is at least 1:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is at least 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1 or 9:1.

[0028] Thus, the method may combine a proportion of a first portion (eg, 80% to 90%) treated by reverse osmosis and a second portion (eg, 10% to 20%) treated by freeze concentration.

[0029] At box 110, the first part of the extract treated with reverse osmosis at box 106 and the second part of the extract treated with freeze concentration at box 108 can be spray dried to produce particles from the extract. The particles produced can be dry particles or soluble substances (such as soluble coffee) obtained from the dry extract. Spray drying can include atomizing or spraying the extract. Spray drying can also include applying high temperature to evaporate water and form dry particles. In some embodiments, before spray drying at box 110, the first part of the extract treated with reverse osmosis at box 106 and the second part of the extract treated with freeze concentration at box 108 can be first combined. In some embodiments, the first part of the extract treated with reverse osmosis at box 106 and the second part of the extract treated with freeze concentration at box 108 can be spray dried separately at box 110. Then, after the spray drying process, the dry particles produced by each of the first part and the second part can be combined. For example, the first part of the extract can be spray dried separately from the second part of the extract to produce the first part of dry particles. The second portion of the extract can be spray dried separately from the first portion of the extract to produce a second portion of dried particles. Then, after spray drying, the first portion of dried particles and the second portion of dried particles can be combined.

[0030] Then, the spray-dried particles produced can be redissolved with a redissolution medium at frame 112 to produce a beverage or as a part of a beverage. In certain embodiments, the redissolution medium can be water. In certain embodiments, redissolution can be carried out at a position different from any previous step or at the same position, such as the same position as the spray-drying at frame 110. By transporting the spray-dried particles, this will advantageously reduce transportation costs. For example, after the spray-drying at frame 110, the spray-dried particles can be packaged and transported to another location subsequently, and redissolved subsequently at a later time.

[0031] As previously described, the first portion of the extract treated by reverse osmosis at block 106 and the second portion of the extract treated by freeze concentration at block 108 can each be combined in a desired ratio and then spray dried at block 110. The spray dried particles can then be packaged and shipped elsewhere for reconstitution.

[0032] As previously described, the first part of the extract treated with reverse osmosis at box 106 and the second part of the extract treated with freeze concentration at box 108 can be spray dried separately at box 110. In some embodiments, these parts of the dry particles produced can be packaged separately and transported separately. Then, before reconstitution, these separate packages can be combined in a desired ratio at a second location. In some embodiments, these parts can be combined and packaged together after spray drying at box 110 in a desired ratio, and then transported to other places for reconstitution. In some embodiments, the spray-dried particles can be combined in a container in a desired ratio for reconstitution. In some embodiments, the spray-dried particles can be combined in a desired ratio at different locations shortly before reconstitution.

[0033] By using the ratio of reverse osmosis and freeze concentration described in this method, the body and flavor of the beverage can be maintained while minimizing sediment in the beverage.

[0034] In some embodiments, the process may include heat treatment to sterilize the extract or resulting dry particles, such as by ultra-heat treatment or sterilization.

[0035] Figure 2 2 is an illustrative system of an embodiment of a system for producing a beverage. System 200 may be used to produce a cold brew or hot brew beverage. For ease of demonstration, system 200 is generally described in the context of an extraction material in the form of tea leaves or ground coffee beans to brew a tea extract or coffee extract using water as the extraction medium. However, as described above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to other situations.

[0036] System 200 may include at least one source of extraction medium. Figure 2As shown, the source of the extraction medium may include a raw bean coffee hopper 202. The raw bean coffee hopper 202 may then feed the raw beans into a processing device, such as a roaster 204, which may roast the raw beans. The roaster 204 may then feed the roasted coffee beans into a grinder 206, which may grind the coffee beans and produce ground coffee. The grinder 206 may feed a brewer 208 to fill the brewer 208 with ground coffee. In other embodiments, a pre-ground coffee hopper containing pre-ground roasted coffee grounds may be present alternatively or additionally. The pre-ground coffee hopper may also fill the brewer 208 with ground coffee. When the brewer 208 is filled with extraction material (e.g., ground coffee), the brewer 208 may also be filled with an extraction medium (e.g., water). In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be cold or ambient temperature, such as between 0°C and 100°C, between 15°C and 30°C, or below 30°C. In other embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium can be hot, such as above 30° C. or above 100° C. In the brewer 208, the extraction medium passes through the extraction material. The extraction medium can extract the desired compounds in the extraction material, drawing the compounds into the extraction medium and dissolving them to form an extract. The extract formed in the brewer 208 can then be dispensed outside of the brewer 208.

[0037] In some embodiments, the extraction medium may flow upward through the brewer 208, with the extraction material located within the brewer 208. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may flow downward or sideways into the brewer 208. In some embodiments, the flow of the extraction medium may be continuous. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be introduced into the brewer 208 and then remain within the brewer 208 for a period of time with the extraction material to allow for infusion.

[0038] The extract may then be divided into at least two portions, a first portion which may be directed to a reverse osmosis system 210 and a second portion which may be directed to a freeze concentration system 212. The first portion may be processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 to purify the first portion of the extract by removing any solids or precipitates using a partially permeable membrane and applying pressure. The second portion may be processed in the freeze concentration system 212 to concentrate the second portion of the extract by freezing the water in the second portion of the extract and removing the crystals formed by freezing.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first and second portions can be processed substantially simultaneously in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the freeze concentration system 212, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second portions can be processed sequentially in any order in separate systems. The first portion of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 is also not subjected to freeze concentration. Similarly, the second portion of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 is also not subjected to reverse osmosis. In some embodiments, the first portion processed by reverse osmosis is 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90% of the extract. In some embodiments, the second portion processed by freeze concentration is 50% to 10%, 40% to 10%, 30% to 10%, or 20% to 10% of the extract. Therefore, the system can combine a ratio of extract processed by the reverse osmosis system 210 (e.g., 80% to 90%) and extract processed by the freeze concentration system 212 (e.g., 10% to 20%). In some embodiments, the ratio of the first portion processed by reverse osmosis to the second portion processed by freeze concentration is at least 1:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is at least 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, or 9:1.

[0040] The first part of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the second part of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 can each be sent to the spray drying chamber 214 for spray drying to produce particles from the extract. The particles produced can be dry particles or soluble substances (such as soluble coffee) obtained from the dry treatment of the extract. Spray drying can include atomizing or spraying the extract. Spray drying can also include applying high heat to evaporate water and form dry particles from the extract. In some embodiments, the first part of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the second part of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 can be combined before being sent to the spray drying chamber 214 to spray dry together. In some embodiments, the first part of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the second part of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 can each be sent to the spray drying chamber 214 separately to spray dry separately. Then, after spray drying in the spray drying chamber 214, the dry particles produced by the first and second parts can be combined.

[0041] After spray drying chamber 214, no matter before spray drying or after spray drying, the spray-dried particles produced subsequently can be sent to reconstitution system 215, and reconstitution with reconstitution medium is used to produce beverage or as a part of beverage.In certain embodiments, reconstitution medium can be water.As previously mentioned, reconstitution can be carried out in the position different from other components (such as spray drying chamber 214) of system 200 or the same position.In certain embodiments, reconstitution system 215 is located at the same position as spray drying chamber 214.In other embodiments, reconstitution system 215 can be located at different second positions.The spray-dried particles produced in spray drying chamber 214 can be packaged and transported to this second position, so that reconstitution is carried out later.

[0042] As previously described, the first portion of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the second portion of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 can each be combined in a desired ratio and then spray dried in the spray drying chamber 214. The spray dried particles can then be packaged and shipped elsewhere for reconstitution.

[0043] As previously described, the first part of the extract processed in the reverse osmosis system 210 and the second part of the extract processed in the freeze concentration system 212 can be spray dried in the spray drying chamber 214, respectively. In some embodiments, the first part and the second part can be separately packaged and transported separately. Then, these separate packages can be combined in a specific ratio at a second location and then reconstituted in the reconstitution system 216. In some embodiments, the first part and the second part can be combined and packaged together after spray drying in the desired ratio in the spray drying chamber 214, and then transported elsewhere for reconstitution in the reconstitution system 216. In some embodiments, the spray-dried particles of the first part and the second part can be combined in a desired ratio in a container for reconstitution in the reconstitution system 216. In some embodiments, the spray-dried particles of the first part and the second part can be combined in a desired ratio at different locations shortly before reconstitution in the reconstitution system 216.

[0044] By using the described ratio of reverse osmosis and freeze concentration, the body and flavor of the beverage can be maintained while the sediment in the beverage is minimized.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system may also include a heat treatment system for sterilizing the extract, such as by ultra-heat treatment or sterilization.

[0046] Figure 3Another exemplary method 300 is shown in connection with various beverage preparation systems. As shown, in some embodiments, method 300 can begin at block 302 with roasting an extraction material, which can be coffee beans. At block 304, the roasted extraction material can then be extracted with an extraction medium, such as water. The temperature of the extraction medium can be hot, ambient, or cold.

[0047] At block 306, the extract produced at block 304 may be treated by reverse osmosis using a partially permeable membrane and applying pressure to remove any solids or precipitates to purify the extract. After treatment by reverse osmosis, the extract may be purified into a dilute or concentrated solution. In some embodiments, the concentration of the dilute solution may be between 20 Bx and 30 Bx, and in some embodiments, the concentration is 25 Bx.

[0048] At block 308, the extract treated by reverse osmosis at block 306 may then be treated by freeze concentration to concentrate the extract by freezing the water in the extract and removing the crystals formed by freezing. After freeze concentration, the extract may have a concentration between 35 Bx and 45 Bx, and in some embodiments, a concentration of 40 Bx.

[0049] As shown in the figure, square frame 304 and 306 of method 300 can be carried out respectively in order in sequence basically.As shown in the figure, extract can be handled by reverse osmosis at first, and then handle with freeze concentration.In certain embodiments, extract can be handled by freeze concentration at first, and then handle with reverse osmosis.In this way, the extract handled with reverse osmosis at square frame 306 places also can be handled with freeze concentration at square frame 308 places, and described processing can be carried out according to any order.

[0050] At box 310, the extract treated with reverse osmosis at box 304 and then with freeze concentration at box 308 can then be freeze dried to produce particles from the extract. The freeze drying process can produce dry particles or soluble materials (such as soluble coffee) by using freezing to dry the extract. Freeze drying can include lowering the temperature of the extract to below a threshold temperature to induce sublimation and removing ice crystals formed by sublimation. Freeze drying can also include applying low pressure to the extract. Freeze drying can advantageously produce soluble materials that have never been heated, which can eliminate many off-flavors that would otherwise be produced.

[0051] At block 312, the resulting spray-dried particles may then be reconstituted with a reconstitution medium to produce or as part of a beverage. In some embodiments, the reconstitution medium may be water.

[0052] By using both the reverse osmosis and freeze concentration methods described in this method, the body and flavor of the beverage can be maintained while minimizing sediment in the beverage.

[0053] In some embodiments, the process may include heat treatment to sterilize the extract, such as by ultra-heat treatment or sterilization.

[0054] Specific terms

[0055] As used herein, the term "beverage" has its ordinary and customary meaning and includes within it any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having flowable properties (e.g., juice, coffee drinks, tea, frozen yogurt, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages, flavored waters, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0056] Unless expressly stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context in which they are used, conditional terms (e.g., "can," "could," "might," "may") are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional terms generally do not imply that one or more embodiments require the features, elements, and / or steps in any way, nor do they imply that one or more embodiments must include (with or without user input or prompting) logic for deciding whether to include or perform such features, elements, or steps in any particular embodiment.

[0057] Unless expressly stated otherwise, transitional terms such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" should be understood in context and are generally used to convey that an item, term, etc. may be any one of X, Y, or Z. Thus, such transitional terms are generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0058] Unless expressly stated otherwise, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted as including one or more of the items described. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more of the devices described. Such one or more of the devices may also be collectively configured to execute the content. For example, "a processor configured to execute content A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to execute content A, used in conjunction with a second processor configured to execute content B and C.

[0059] The terms "comprising, including", "having", etc. are synonymous and are used in an open-ended manner to be inclusive and do not exclude other elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Similarly, the terms "some", "certain", etc. are synonymous and are used in an open-ended manner. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (not its exclusive sense), so, for example, when the term "or" is used to connect a series of elements, it means one, some or all of the elements in the series.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" refer to an amount that is close to a stated amount and still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, in some embodiments, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within a range of less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount, depending on the context. As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to a value, amount, or feature that primarily includes or tends toward a specific value, amount, or feature. For example, in certain embodiments, the term "approximately parallel" may refer to a deviation of less than or equal to 20 degrees relative to complete parallelism, and / or the term "approximately perpendicular" may refer to a deviation of less than or equal to 20 degrees relative to complete perpendicularity.

[0061] In general, the language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims.The claims are not limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples shown and described in the present disclosure or discussed during the prosecution of the application.

[0062] In addition, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure that are not explicitly described above or elsewhere herein, the present disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within the scope given and described in the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates and includes embodiments of any combination of any structure, material, step or other feature disclosed anywhere herein with any other structure, material, step or other feature disclosed anywhere herein.

[0063] In addition, in this disclosure, certain features described in the context of different embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although some features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases, one or more features may be deleted from the claimed combination and the combination may be claimed in a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0064] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and features of the disclosure are described herein. Not all of these aspects, advantages, and features may necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment of the disclosure. For example, some embodiments of any of the various systems disclosed include a container assembly and / or include multiple container assemblies; some embodiments do not include a container assembly. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages taught herein without achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0065] Some embodiments have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are drawn to appropriate scale, but such scale should not be construed as limiting. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily have an exact relationship to the actual size and layout of the device shown. Components may be added, removed, and / or rearranged. In addition, any specific features, aspects, methods, properties, characteristics, qualities, attributes, elements, etc. disclosed herein in connection with the various embodiments may be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. In addition, any method described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the steps described.

[0066] In addition, although some components and operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a specific arrangement or order, these components and operations do not have to be arranged and performed in the specific arrangement and order shown, nor do they have to be arranged and performed in sequence, nor do they have to include all components and operations to achieve the desired result. Other components and operations that are not depicted or described can be introduced into the embodiments and examples. For example, one or more other operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any described operations. In addition, in other embodiments, operations can be rearranged or reordered. In addition, the separation of various system components in the above-mentioned embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0067] In summary, various illustrative embodiments and examples of beverage preparation systems and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of these embodiments and examples, the present disclosure is not limited to these specifically disclosed embodiments and extends to other alternative embodiments and / or other uses of the described embodiments, and specific variations and equivalents thereof. The present disclosure expressly contemplates that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted with each other. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-described specifically disclosed embodiments, but should only be determined by properly interpreting the full scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for producing a beverage, the method comprising: Purifying the first portion of the extract by reverse osmosis; concentrating a second portion of the extract using freeze concentration, the second portion of the extract being separated from the first portion of the extract; and spray drying the first portion of the extract and the second portion of the extract to produce dry particles, Wherein, the ratio of the first part of the extract to the second part of the extract is at least 3:

1.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the extract is not subjected to freeze concentration.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion of the extract is not subjected to reverse osmosis treatment.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the first part of the extract to the second part of the extract is at least 4:

1.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the first part of the extract to the second part of the extract is at least 9:

1.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising combining the first portion of the extract and the second portion of the extract prior to spray drying.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein spray drying comprises: The first portion of the extract is spray dried separately from the second portion of the extract to produce a first portion of dry particles, and the second portion of the extract is spray dried separately from the first portion of the extract to produce a second portion of dry particles.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising combining the first portion of dried particles and the second portion of dried particles after spray drying.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the extract comprises cold brew coffee.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the extract comprises hot brew coffee.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising roasting the extraction material.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising introducing an extraction medium into the extraction material to extract the extract from the extraction material.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the extraction medium comprises water.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the temperature of the extraction medium is between 15°C and 30°C.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the temperature of the extraction medium is below 30°C.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising reconstituting the dry particles to produce the beverage.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the dried particles are reconstituted with water.

18. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein purifying the first portion of the extract by reverse osmosis comprises purifying the first portion into a dilute solution having a concentration between 20 Bx and 40 Bx.

19. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein concentrating the second portion of the extract using freeze concentration comprises concentrating the second portion of the extract to a concentration between 35 Bx and 45 Bx.

20. A system for producing a beverage, the system comprising: a brewer configured to receive an extraction material and a flow of extraction medium to produce an extract; a reverse osmosis system configured to receive a first portion of the extract; a freeze concentration system configured to receive a second portion of the extract, the second portion of the extract being separated from the first portion of the extract; and a spray drying chamber configured to receive the first portion of the extract and / or the second portion of the extract to produce spray-dried particles, wherein the ratio of the first part of the extract to the second part of the extract is at least 3:

1.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a reconstitution system for receiving the first portion of the extract and / or the second portion of the extract.

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