Can ground coffee be used as instant (can I substitute ground coffee with instant coffee + more information)?
You wake up one morning desperately in need of your instant coffee. You discover you have run out of instant coffee, and you only have ground coffee, so you’re left wondering, “Can ground coffee be used as instant?” Read on to find out.
No, ground coffee cannot be used as instant coffee since it isn’t water soluble hence the grinds remain during brewing. Additionally, ground coffee needs heat for coffee extraction, whereas instant coffee doesn’t.
Table of Contents
Is ground coffee soluble in water?
Unfortunately, ground coffee is not 100% soluble in water. Only 30% of ground coffee is soluble and hence dissolves in water, while the remaining grind remains during the brewing process. The remaining 70% is made up of oils and cellulose that are insoluble in water. This is why instant coffee is preferred since it comprises dried brewed coffee that is fully soluble in water.
What are the risks of using ground coffee as instant coffee?
Raise cholesterol levels
The oils in ground coffee are known to boost the flavor of your brew. However, health experts also confirm that they harm one’s health if consumed often. This is why when you interchange instant coffee with ground coffee, it is harmful as this is boiled, unfiltered coffee, which has higher amounts of oily substances. In turn, they will increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Excessive caffeine
Some enjoy that ground coffee has a high caffeine content that keeps them energetic and active for a long while. However, sipping on ground coffee prepared as an instant coffee means you will consume excessive caffeine. Caffeine consumed in excess amounts has negative side effects on one’s health. This is why it is not recommended.
Can you make instant coffee from ground coffee at home?
Yes, you can DIY and make instant coffee from ground coffee at home. Just follow the steps below, and you will have yourself an instant cup of ground coffee.
Making instant coffee from ground coffee at home – recipe
Equipment
- Airtight container
- Coffee grinder or blender
- strainer
- Cup
Ingredients
- Ground coffee
- Water
Instructions
- Measure two scoops of regular ground coffee into the grinder
- Ground the coffee until it starts to clump at the bottom of the grinder
- Shake your powdered ground coffee into your strainer
- Sift out the finest coffee into the airtight container
- Now boil your water, then leave it for 20-30 minutes to drop below the boiling point
- Once this happens, measure the coffee into your cup and add the hot water
- Stir thoroughly, then choose whether to strain out the coffee particles or drink all the contents
FAQ Section
Is ground coffee stronger than instant coffee?
Yes, ground coffee has higher caffeine levels than instant coffee. More caffeine is released into the air if the beans are ground finely.
Can you mix ground coffee with hot water?
Yes, you can. It is not the best way, but it is considered the easiest and fastest way to turn ground coffee into instant coffee when you are in a hurry. The 30% soluble contents will dissolve in water. You can filter out the rest or drink it as it is.