Abstract: A method of decaffeinating caffeine-containing liquids and particularly aqueous coffee extracts is disclosed. Caffeic acid is added to a caffeine-containing aqueous coffee extract so as to form an insoluble, colloidal caffeic acid/caffeine complex. Crystals of the insoluble caffeic acid/caffeine complex are then grown and subsequently separated from the aqueous decaffeinated coffee extract. The coffee extracts intended for use herein include both roasted and green coffee extracts.

Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing a coffee extraction residue material to produce a mannan oligomer solution having oligomers from DP 1 to DP 10 is disclosed. The coffee material, preferably spent grounds from a commercial percolation system, is hydrolyzed in a reactor in the presence of an acid catalyst. A tubular plug flow reactor is convenient, although any reactor providing for the relatively high temperature, short time reaction will suffice. Particular acid catalysts include sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid and carbon dioxide gas. Depending on the specific time, temperature and catalyst concentration selected, a mannan oligomer solution having any desired distribution of oligomers between DP 1 and DP 10 is produced.

Abstract: A method of producing a frozen, dual-textured confection comprising a cream and a gelatin-containing aerated phase and a natural or simulated fruit phase is disclosed. According to one embodiment, gelatin is dispersed in water and the dispersion is then combined with cream, sweetener, emulsifier and a gum stabilizer to form a uniform emulsion. The emulsion is then partially frozen and aerated. A fluid, natural or simulated fruit component is separately produced by combining pureed fruit or synthetic fruit flavor, sweetener and a gum stabilizer. The partially frozen, aerated emulsion is passed together with a fruit component through a filler head into a mold or container so that the mold or container contains a cream and gelatin-containing phase and a fruit phase. The contents of the mold or container are then thoroughly frozen. A stick may be inserted into the mold prior to the thorough freezing so that the frozen confection may be hand-held while being eaten.

Abstract: An aqueous coffee extract is decaffeinated with a treated activated carbon. The activated carbon is first contacted with an ethyl cellulose solution in order to adsorb the ethyl cellulose on the carbon. The ethyl cellulose-containing activated carbon is then dried and contacted with an aqueous coffee extract. The substantially decaffeinated extract is subsequently separated from the carbon.

Abstract: A method of lessening the off-flavor notes of low-grade roasted coffee is disclosed. Low-grade green coffee is contacted with a fatty material, preferably a triglyceride, for a period of time between about 15 min. and 60 min. The low-grade green coffee is subsequently separated from the fatty material. Any residual fatty material may be removed by rinsing the low-grade green coffee with acetone. The coffee is then roasted, providing a low-grade roasted coffee having lessened off-flavor notes.

Abstract: A process for producing a freeze-dried coffee with a multi-colored appearance resembling that of roast and ground coffee involves freezing a layer of coffee extract by a method which provides a dark-colored freeze-dried coffee, adding a thin layer of liquid to the frozen extract and rapidly freezing the combined layers. The frozen coffee material is subsequently freeze-dried, producing the multi-colored coffee with an appearance resembling that of roast and ground coffee.

Abstract: A dark-colored freeze dried coffee is produced by using a multi-step process to freeze the coffee extract. The coffee extract is chilled to a temperature at which an ice slush forms. The slushed extract is heated in order to melt some of the slush and subsequently re-chilled. This procedure may be repeated one or more times prior to chilling the extract below its eutectic point and freeze drying the frozen extract.