Low-temperature extracted coffee extract and method for producing the same

Abstract

To provide a method for preparing low-temperature-extracted coffee, the method enabling continuous processing in a shortened period of time, and the coffee imparting strength and richness of flavor that match or top those of high-temperature-extracted coffee.SOLUTION: A method for producing a low-temperature-extracted coffee extraction liquid includes the steps of: (1) adding water to coffee beans to prepare a suspension; (2) wet-milling the suspension to an average particle diameter of 100 μm or less through plural steps; (3) subjecting the suspension to one or plural separation steps, where the suspension is separated into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase, the liquid phase includes coffee aroma, and the solid phase includes coffee powder as a main component and water; and (4) further processing the liquid phase including the coffee aroma to produce a low-temperature-extracted coffee extraction liquid. From the step (1) through the step (3), the temperature of the suspension does not exceed 47°C.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and / or technique for the production of a cold-extracted coffee extract, which allows for continuous and rapid extraction of aroma components and nutritionally beneficial components (including polyphenols, antioxidants, and / or sugars) while improving yields compared to known cold-extraction techniques.

[0002] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to cold brew coffee extracts and instant powders prepared by the above methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Coffee is one of the world's largest legal agricultural exports, and many methods for preparing coffee extracts and coffee beverages are known in the art. Most coffee beverages, including, for example, filter coffee, espresso, Greek or Turkish coffee, percolated coffee, and Kona coffee, are typically prepared by subjecting ground beans to aqueous extraction at elevated temperatures and pressures or atmospheric pressure.

[0004] Coffee is also known to be extracted using cold extraction techniques, resulting in an extract that is often perceived as having a smoother mouthfeel and sweeter taste compared to hot-extracted coffee, likely due to the lower concentration of extracted acids and lower concentrations of diterpenes (including, for example, cafestol and kahweol), which are known to promote increased cholesterol levels and are responsible for an oily, bitter taste.

[0005] One conventional example of a low-temperature extraction technique is disclosed in WO 2013 / 019676 A2. Herein, freshly ground, roasted coffee beans are low-temperature extracted at atmospheric pressure using water at a temperature below 117°F (47.2°C), thereby advantageously reducing the heat-induced degradation of enzymes and antioxidants typically observed during thermal extraction methods. To provide sufficient release of coffee flavor, the extraction period is typically 18-24 hours before separating the liquid extract from the solids (e.g., by filtration, decantation, centrifugation, etc.).

[0006] In another example, US2008 / 0148955A1 discloses an apparatus for extracting coffee in the form of a liquid extract by cold water injection, which involves extracting at room temperature for approximately 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a concentrated coffee extract that can be diluted to produce a ready-to-drink beverage and is described as being more flavorful than conventional hot-brewed coffee products.

[0007] However, conventional low-temperature extraction techniques, such as those exemplified by WO2013 / 019676A2 and US2008 / 0148955A1, inherently require long extraction periods to extract sufficient amounts of flavor and good aroma, and extending the extraction time (e.g., to days or weeks) to increase aroma yield tends to result in over-extraction of aromas with undesirable sensory notes (e.g., bitterness), off-flavors (e.g., resulting from compound degradation), and insufficient aroma complexity.

[0008] Recently, vacuum extraction methods have been developed which allow for the preparation of cold-extracted coffee with short extraction times (see, for example, EP2948030B1), however, said methods require batch operations.

[0009] Moreover, all of the aforementioned methods tend to require sophisticated equipment or involve high material stress during dry milling and grinding, further leading to loss of aroma due to evaporation.

[0010] In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the capture of coffee by-products by using wet milling techniques.

[0011] For example, WO 2010 / 073114 A1 discloses a coffee extraction method in which water is added to roasted coffee beans, the resulting suspension is wet-ground, and the ground or milled coffee beans are subjected to one or more extraction steps under heat and pressure (e.g., at temperatures between 80 and 100°C) to obtain coffee powder, coffee liquor, aroma extract, polyphenols, and / or bioactive substances. However, this method inherently requires an extraction step under heat and therefore does not provide the benefits associated with cold-extracted coffee products. A similar method adapted for preparing novel extracts from unroasted, and preferably unfermented, coffee cherries is disclosed in WO 2018 / 234528 A1. However, the preparation of cold-extracted coffee products is not disclosed therein. EP 0 343 678 A2 discloses a method for producing a coffee extract for aromatization of edible products, which includes at least two water-based grinding steps, each of which requires separation of the aqueous phase from the solids. CA2960108A1 discloses a method for extracting coffee, which involves extraction at high temperature and reduced pressure. WO2018 / 234528A1 discloses a method for processing coffee cherries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Therefore, overall, it remains desirable to provide a method for preparing cold brew coffee that exhibits flavor intensity and richness comparable to or greater than that of hot brew coffee, while allowing for continuous processing within a shortened period of time (e.g., less than an hour, or even minutes).

[0013] The present invention solves this problem by the subject matter of the claims defined herein. The advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following paragraphs, and further advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In general, in one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a cold-extracted coffee extract, comprising: (1) adding water to coffee beans to form a suspension; (2) wet-grinding the suspension in multiple steps to an average particle size of 100 μm or less; (3) subjecting the suspension to one or more separation steps, wherein the suspension separates into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase, the liquid phase comprising coffee aroma and the solid phase comprising coffee powder and water as primary components; and (4) further processing the liquid phase comprising at least the coffee aroma to produce a cold-extracted coffee extract, wherein the temperature of the suspension during steps (1) to (3) does not exceed 47° C.

[0015] In another embodiment, a cold brew coffee extract obtained by the aforementioned method is described.

[0016] In another embodiment, an instant cold brew coffee powder is described, which is obtained by subjecting the aforementioned cold brew coffee extract to a concentration step, followed by spray drying or freeze drying the concentrated extract to obtain the instant cold brew coffee powder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method for processing coffee beans to prepare a cold brew coffee extract and product. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the results of a sensory evaluation (nose) of comparative examples and exemplary cold-extracted products according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows the results of sensory evaluation (palate) of comparative examples and exemplary cold-extracted products according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description of illustrative embodiments thereof.

[0019] Method for producing cold-brewed coffee extract and instant powder In a first embodiment, the present invention generally relates to a method for producing a cold-extracted coffee extract, the method comprising: (1) adding water to coffee beans to form a suspension; (2) wet-grinding the suspension in multiple steps to an average particle size of 100 μm or less; (3) subjecting the suspension to one or more separation steps, wherein the suspension is separated into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase, the liquid phase comprising coffee aroma, the oil phase comprising primarily coffee oil, and the solid phase comprising primarily coffee powder and water; and (4) further processing the liquid phase comprising at least the coffee aroma to produce a cold-extracted coffee extract, wherein the temperature of the suspension during steps (1) through (3) does not exceed 47° C. Advantageously, this method has been found to produce a cold-extracted coffee extract with a surprisingly high flavor yield, even after a very short extraction time of less than one hour. Thus, compared to conventional methods, a cold-extracted coffee extract with a higher yield of original aroma and nutritionally valuable components can be obtained in a very short time. Furthermore, the cold extraction process can be performed continuously and requires minimal space for manufacturing facilities, which is particularly advantageous for mass production and ultimately reduces manufacturing costs compared to known batch processes. Last but not least, continuous operation facilitates process control and therefore helps reduce variability in product quality.

[0020] The term "cold brewed coffee" is used herein to refer to the product of a water extraction of ground coffee obtained without actively heating the extraction agent with a dedicated heating means, which does not include the temperature increase during mechanical separation (e.g., during fine milling).

[0021] According to the present invention, coffee beans (whole and / or split) are used as the starting material. The coffee beans may be unroasted (also known as green coffee beans) or roasted. Roasting is achieved by various techniques and methods known in the art, which may include different roasting temperatures, times, and methodologies. The degree of roasting can be varied to alter the desired strength and flavor. In the context of this application, any type of roasted coffee beans can generally be used. Preferably, the coffee beans are roasted immediately before step (1). To introduce additional flavors and allow their interaction with the coffee aroma, other solid edible materials (e.g., fruit) can be co-extracted with the coffee beans, preferably by adding them before or during either step (1) or (2).

[0022] In step (1), water is added to form a suspension. Although not particularly limited, the weight ratio of water to coffee beans in the formed suspension is preferably 1:1 to 10:1, more preferably 2:1 to 8:1, and particularly preferably about 2.5:1 to 6:1, which may favorably affect processability in further steps (e.g., facilitated pumping, grinding, and / or easier phase separation).

[0023] While it may be preferable to use water (e.g., tap water) in step (1), alternative aqueous liquids may be used as the water source to enhance extraction of coffee bean components, reduce oxidation of sensitive coffee bean components (e.g., sulfur compounds), and / or introduce additional flavors that may favorably interact with the extracted flavors in subsequent stages of the processing method. Such liquids include, for example, liquids having a water content of 60 to about 95% by weight, such as ethanol / water mixtures, liqueurs, fruit juices, vegetable juices, fruit juice concentrates, or milk. When such aqueous liquids are used, it is generally preferred that the water content of the resulting suspension fall within the ratio range defined above.

[0024] To reduce or prevent microbial spoilage / growth at an early stage while minimizing potential thermal burden, the water or water-containing liquid may be subjected to a pasteurization or sterilization step prior to step (1), for example, by application of heat, irradiation, chemical sterilization, and microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or nanofiltration, according to methods known in the art. Sterile filtration using membrane filters with an absolute pore size of 0.45 μm or less, preferably 0.22 μm or less, is preferred and often results in effective removal of microorganisms with low energy consumption and without introducing unnecessary chemicals.

[0025] Moreover, the water or aqueous liquid may be subjected to demineralization based on techniques known in the art (including, for example, ion exchange) prior to step (1).

[0026] Forming the aqueous suspension in step (1), i.e., before step (2), has the advantage that the solid material softens before grinding and the cooling effect of the water further minimizes mechanical strain on the mill grinding equipment. However, to speed up processing, the coffee beans are preferably contacted with water just before entering the grinding equipment. More preferably, steps (1) and (2) are carried out simultaneously, for example by directly contacting the water and beans in the mill.

[0027] The method and equipment used for wet-grinding in step (2) are not particularly limited, so long as significant frictional heat generation or high mechanical forces are avoided to preserve the aroma and nutritionally valuable components of the coffee beans. To this end, step (2) preferably includes (a) one or more coarse grinding steps (e.g., in a perforated disk mill) to an average particle size of 500 μm or less, and (b) a subsequent fine grinding step (e.g., in a toothed colloid mill) to an average particle size of 100 μm or less, preferably less than 90 μm, and even more preferably 80 μm or less. Reducing the particles to the above size range substantially increases the exposed surface area of ​​the particulate material for optimal wetting, allowing for improved extraction results (such as improved extraction of fats or lipids, aroma substances, and / or polyphenols). Generally, particle size reduction can be achieved by using, for example, a disk mill (e.g., a perforated disk mill), a colloid mill (e.g., a toothed colloid mill), or a corundum stone mill. In particular, the milling step is carried out using the coarsely milled suspension, so that no solid / liquid separation between milling and fine milling is required.

[0028] In step (3), the finely ground coffee suspension is subjected to one or more separation steps resulting in separation into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase, said liquid phase comprising coffee aroma and said solid phase comprising coffee powder and water as main components. Preferably, mechanical particle separation can be achieved using a device that uses centrifugal force, such as a decanter or nozzle separator, preferably a decanter.

[0029] The term "at least one liquid phase" may include an aqueous phase and an oil phase, where the aqueous phase contains the (hydrophilic) coffee aroma and the oil phase contains coffee oil as a major component. In other words, step (3) can be carried out as a solid / liquid separation or as a separation into three phases, i.e., an aqueous phase, an oil phase, and a solid phase. In the case of a three-phase separation, at least the aqueous phase is further processed in step (4).

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, step (3) comprises separating the suspension into an aqueous phase, an oil phase and a solid phase by use of a decanter (such as a three-phase decanter centrifuge) in a single separation stage.

[0031] Step (3) may further comprise multiple phase separation and recombination steps to achieve improved separation between the liquid phase(s) and the solid phase. For example, the aqueous and oil phases obtained in the three-phase separation can be further purified, for example, by performing a second three-phase separation step or by re-feeding to the wet-grinding or initial separation step, to further improve the recovery and yield of the extract. The solid phase can be filtered or centrifuged to separate the residual water, which can be recombined with the aqueous phase initially from the decantation step or in a subsequent processing step of said phase.

[0032] Once separated, the oil phase obtained in step (3) can be used to extract coffee oil and / or lipophilic aromas. The resulting coffee oil can be further used, for example, in the preparation of cosmetics (e.g., lotions, soaps, etc.) or in chemical processes, and the lipophilic aromas can be reintroduced in step (4).

[0033] In step (4), the liquid phase (or aqueous phase, respectively) is further processed to obtain a cold-extracted coffee extract. The single-stage (3) phase separation in step (3) typically results in a liquid aqueous cold-extracted coffee extract of opaque appearance, which is ready to drink and characterized by advantageously low acidity and bitterness, a milky character unattainable by conventional cold-extraction techniques, and advantageously strong and complex sensory characteristics. The extract thus obtained exhibits a relatively high residual fat content (e.g., 1% to 10%, 1.5% to 5%, etc., by weight, based on the total weight of the extract), which is likely responsible for the pleasant creamy mouthfeel and serves as a carrier for the advantageous lipophilic aromas, and may further have a dry matter content of, for example, 2% to 12%, 2.5% to 10%, etc., by weight, based on the total weight of the extract. Clarification, for example, by filtration or ultrafiltration, removes most of the residual lipids, but results in a loss of the aforementioned sensory characteristics. Therefore, it may be preferable not to include a filtration and / or clarification step in step (4), or even the entire manufacturing method. Thus, for the removal of microorganisms, said cloudy extract may be directly subjected to a pasteurization or sterilization step to obtain a cold-brew coffee extract, optionally followed by a filling, bottling, or canning step according to methods known in the art (e.g., by cold aseptic filling).

[0034] Alternatively, step (4) may involve subjecting the liquid or aqueous phase obtained in step (3) to one or more solid / liquid separation steps to clarify the extracted product. More preferably, the one or more solid / liquid separation steps include centrifugation and / or filtration. More preferably, the one or more solid / liquid separation steps include both centrifugation and filtration to remove as many lipids and colloidal solids as possible. The filtration step is preferably carried out as a sterile filtration by using a membrane with an absolute pore size of 0.45 μm or less, preferably 0.22 μm or less, and may also include ultrafiltration using membranes with absolute pore sizes of 2 to 100 nm. In another preferred embodiment, the filtration step is carried out as a cross-flow filtration to facilitate continuous operation. A separate process step (preferably prior to filtration) to remove colloidal solids can be carried out according to methods known in the art (e.g., including coagulation / flocculation techniques), which can optionally be assisted by cooling.

[0035] The result of step (4) is a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee extract that can be diluted with cold or hot water or other liquids depending on the desired taste.

[0036] Moreover, the aqueous extract may be further mixed with an additive during or after step (4). Without limitation, exemplary additives may include, for example, coffee cherry pulp, cocoa pulp, bioactive ingredients, cocoa, raw milk, condensed milk, milk powder, salt, sugar or other sweeteners (including maple syrup, honey, sucrose, fructose, glucose syrup, invert sugar, fructose, corn syrup, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, acesulfame K, thaumatin, chalcone, cyclamate, stevioside, stevia, sorbitol, xylitol, and lactitol, etc.), flavors, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, fruit juice(s) and / or fruit pieces, herbs and / or spices (including, but not limited to, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili, pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, etc.), preservatives, colorants, thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and combinations thereof.

[0037] Although not required, one or more pH adjustment steps may be performed before, during, or after any of steps (1) to (4). Typically, the pH adjustment may involve the addition of a buffer solution or base to compensate for excessively high acid concentrations in the starting material and / or to fine-tune the subsequent extraction profile. Furthermore, the added base or buffer may be neutralized in the aqueous phase after step (3). Alternatively, the pH adjustment step may also include acid removal, for example, by extraction (e.g., liquid-liquid) extraction, emulsion-type liquid membrane process, salting-out, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The process according to the present invention may also include a step of injecting nitrogen gas into the liquid extract, preferably in step (4), according to methods known in the art, to produce a small, water-insoluble foam in the beverage that results in a creamy, foamy head that imparts sweetness, less acidity, and a richer, fuller mouthfeel to the beverage compared to regular coffee extract.

[0039] In a final step, the cold brew coffee extract can be filled and packaged, for example, in cans (made of aluminum, steel, etc.) or bottles (made of glass, paper, retort pouches, etc.) according to methods known in the art.

[0040] Although not so limited, an exemplary process for preparing a cold brew coffee extract based on the above description is illustrated in the flow chart shown in FIG.

[0041] It should be noted that the method for producing a cold-brewed coffee extract according to the present invention can easily be performed continuously: for example, coffee beans can be continuously fed to step (1) (e.g., using a conveyor belt or screw conveyor), while the suspension between steps (1) to (4) can be transported using a pumping system.

[0042] If necessary, a buffer tank may be inserted to adjust the extraction time and / or to ensure a continuous product supply.

[0043] In general, steps (1) to (3) are preferably carried out within a period of less than 14 hours, preferably less than 10 hours, more preferably less than 6 hours, even more preferably less than 3 hours, particularly preferably less than 1 hour, and in embodiments less than 45 minutes, less than 30 minutes, or less than 20 minutes, for example, 15 seconds to 18 minutes or 30 seconds to 1 minute.

[0044] It is further preferred that steps (1) to (4) are carried out within a period of less than 18 hours, preferably less than 12 hours, more preferably less than 8 hours, even more preferably less than 4 hours, and particularly preferably less than 2 hours, in embodiments less than 1 hour, less than 40 minutes, or less than 25 minutes, for example, 30 seconds to 19 minutes or 40 seconds to 2 minutes. Despite such a relatively short extraction period, the method of the present invention provides an extract with a higher flavor yield and a richer taste than conventional low-temperature extraction techniques.

[0045] According to the present invention, the temperature of the suspension during steps (1) to (3) is generally guaranteed not to exceed 47°C. The lower limit of the suspension temperature is not particularly limited, as long as the wet-milling and phase separation steps are not hindered by freezing of the suspension, which may depend on the components of the aqueous solvent. Preferably, the temperature of the suspension during steps (1) to (3) is in the range of 0°C to 40°C, preferably 2°C to 35°C, more preferably 3°C to 30°C, for example, 5°C to 29°C. Furthermore, it is preferred that the temperature of the aqueous phase during step (4) does not exceed 47°C, preferably 0°C to 40°C, more preferably 2°C to 35°C, even more preferably 3°C to 30°C, and particularly preferably 5°C to 29°C.

[0046] In the method of the present invention, the wet-grinding step (2) to an average particle size of 100 μm or less usually has the strongest heating effect, and can often result in a temperature rise of around 5 to 15°C. Therefore, in order to maintain the temperature of the suspension or aqueous phase within the above range, it is preferable that the temperature of the water or aqueous liquid during contact with the coffee beans is 40°C or less, more preferably 30°C or less, even more preferably 0 to 20°C, and particularly preferably 2 to 15°C, for example 4 to 12°C. The temperature of the suspension can therefore be controlled by any convenient method.

[0047] In alternative embodiments not shown or indicated in FIG. 1 , the method of the present invention can be adapted for the production of instant cold-brew coffee products. To this end, the cold-brew coffee extract can be subjected to a concentration step (e.g., by evaporation, preferably vacuum evaporation, or freeze concentration), followed by spray-drying or freeze-drying the concentrated extract into powder form. Herein, the concentration step can involve evaporation of flavor compounds and polyphenols along with water. In this case, it is preferable to collect these fractions and reintroduce them before spray-drying or freeze-drying, or before packaging the instant powder. It is also possible to incorporate additional edible ingredients (e.g., coffee cherry pulp) into the extract to increase the solids content and thus facilitate drying.

[0048] Additionally, the cold brew coffee extract may be subjected to a concentration process only (i.e., without a spray drying or freeze drying process) and packaged for delivery to customers as a liquid concentrate.

[0049] Liquid cold brew coffee extract and instant cold brew coffee powder In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a cold-extracted coffee extract obtained by a method according to the first embodiment outlined above. In a preferred embodiment, the cold-extracted coffee extract is a coffee aroma obtained by a method according to the first embodiment, and may preferably comprise a combination of coffee aroma obtained by the liquid phase(s) processing and the coffee aroma fraction recovered from the solid phase processing (see e.g. Figure 1).

[0050] In a third embodiment, the present invention relates to an instant cold-brewed coffee powder obtained by subjecting the cold-brewed coffee extract according to the second embodiment to a concentration step, followed by spray-drying or freeze-drying the concentrated extract to obtain an instant cold-brewed coffee powder.

[0051] Compared to known cold-extracted products, the extracts and instant products of the present invention are distinctly characterized by a rich taste, high flavor complexity, and a high content of flavors (e.g., caramel, malt, nutty, and spicy flavors) that are perceived as pleasant, while the off-flavors often perceived in conventional products, possibly due to the long cold extraction times, are significantly reduced or completely eliminated. [Example]

[0052] Example 1 A liquid cold-brewed coffee extract was prepared according to the method of the present invention by mixing roasted coffee beans (origin: Sidamo) with demineralized and sterilized filtered water, coarsely grinding the aqueous suspension in a perforated disc mill (FrymaKoruma ML 150), and finely grinding the coarse slurry in a toothed colloid mill (FrymaKoruma MZ 130) to an average particle size of 100 μm or less. The finely ground suspension was then subjected to three-phase separation using a three-phase decanter centrifuge (Tricanter® manufactured by Flottweg SE). The aqueous phase thus obtained was clarified by removing fat and colloidal solids using a centrifuge (GEA Westfalia). Finally, the clarified extract was passed through a commercially available Koch Supercor PVDF membrane (12 mm diameter, 35 m 2 The suspension was filtered by cross-flow filtration using a 0.2 μm pore size (0.2 μm diameter, 0.2 μm area). During the process, the temperature of the suspension / aqueous phase did not exceed room temperature. The total extraction time was approximately 10 minutes.

[0053] Comparative Example 1 In Comparative Example 1, coffee beans similar to those in Example 1 were finely ground and subsequently subjected to conventional cold extraction with demineralized and sterilized filtered water at 20°C for 8 hours, using the same weight ratio of coffee beans to water as in Example 1, and subsequent filtration.

[0054] Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 2 was prepared similarly to Comparative Example 1, except that the same weight ratio of coffee beans to water was used as in Example 1 and the extraction was carried out in hot water (95°C) for 4 minutes.

[0055] evaluation Immediately after the preparation of the extracts, the samples of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were independently diluted (50 g / L) and quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS for their contents of 20 selected major coffee aromas. The measurement results, together with the odor thresholds, are shown in Table 1 below.

[0056] Quantitative analysis shows that the method of the present invention results in an extract with a substantially improved overall yield of pleasant aromas compared to conventional cold extraction methods, despite the drastically reduced extraction period. Moreover, Table 1 shows that the overall aroma yield even exceeds that of the hot water infusion method, as illustrated in Comparative Example 2.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] In addition to quantitative analysis, a group of five experts experienced in the sensory evaluation of coffee (50 g / L) from each of the extracts in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 conducted a sensory test (consensus profile) on diluted samples. First, the sensory characteristics of the coffee samples and their definitions were identified, including floral, fruity, caramel, malty, nutty, spicy, roasty, and grassy notes, as well as off-flavors, complexity, and overall intensity. Next, the panelists rated these sensory characteristics for each sample using a 9-point rating system (0-8), where low values ​​indicated weak perception, high values ​​indicated strong intensity, and 0 indicated the absence of the respective note. Each sample was tested for anterior and retronasal perception (i.e., palate).

[0059] The results of the sensory profiles perceived by the nose and palate are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively, where the intensity values ​​represent the mean values ​​assigned by the panel of experts.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, in contrast to the nose-forward evaluation of the samples of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, no off-flavors were perceived in the sample of Example 1. At the same time, the sample of Example 1 showed higher scores for notes perceived as complex and pleasant, with particular emphasis on caramel-like, malty, and spicy notes.

[0061] Figure 3 demonstrates that the inventive sample also exhibits excellent overall intensity and complexity on the palate, and further exhibits higher scores across all types of notes, except for roasted notes, when compared to the high temperature extracted sample of Comparative Example 2.

[0062] Overall, the results suggest that despite the short extraction time at low temperature, the cold extracted coffee extract of the present invention exhibits a richer taste, greater aroma complexity, and a higher total content of aromas that are perceived as pleasant, while completely eliminating off-flavors.

[0063] Given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a cold brew coffee extract, comprising: (1) adding water to roasted coffee beans to form a suspension; (2) wet-milling the suspension in multiple steps to an average particle size of 100 μm or less; (3) subjecting the ground suspension to one or more separation steps, wherein the suspension is separated into at least one liquid phase and a solid phase, the liquid phase comprising coffee aroma and the solid phase comprising coffee powder and water as primary components; (4) further processing at least the aqueous phase to produce a cold-brew coffee extract, which further comprises at least filling and / or packaging; wherein the temperature of the suspension in steps (1) to (3) and the aqueous phase during step (4) does not exceed 47°C; Steps (1) to (4) are carried out within a period of 30 seconds to 19 minutes; step (3) comprising separating the suspension into an aqueous phase containing coffee aroma, an oil phase containing coffee oil as a main component, and a solid phase containing coffee powder and water as main components by using a decanter; Step (4) comprises subjecting the aqueous phase obtained in step (3) to one or more solid / liquid separation steps and / or pasteurization or sterilization steps; method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the suspension during steps (1) to (3) is in the range of 0°C to 40°C.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature of the aqueous phase during step (4) is in the range of 0°C to 40°C.

4. Step (2) is (a) one or more coarse grinding steps to an average particle size of 500 μm or less; 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising (b) a subsequent milling step to an average particle size of 100 μm or less.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of separating the suspension in step (3) into an aqueous phase containing coffee aroma, an oil phase containing coffee oil as the main component, and a solid phase containing coffee powder and water as the main components is carried out in a single separation step.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein step (3) further comprises separating water from the solid phase and reintroducing it into the aqueous phase prior to step (4).

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein steps (1) to (4) are carried out continuously.

8. 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein steps (1) to (3) are carried out within a period of 30 seconds to 1 minute.

9. 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein steps (1) to (4) are carried out within a period of 40 seconds to 2 minutes.

10. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein step (4) comprises subjecting the aqueous phase obtained in step (3) to one or more solid / liquid separation steps.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more solid / liquid separation steps comprise a centrifugation step and / or a filtration step.

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the filtering step is carried out by using a filtering membrane having an absolute pore size of 0.45 μm or less.

13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the filtering step comprises cross-flow filtration.

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