Chicory extract powder products and extract production processes and apparatus

A process for preparing a product for preparation of a beverage comprising:

• obtaining an extract from chicory by an extraction method selected from the group consisting of extracting kiln-dried chicory with water and of pressing chicory root to obtain a chicory extract;
• heating the extract obtained in a tubular extractor to hydrolyze a part of the extract inulin content to increase extract reducing sugar content to obtain a heat-treated extract;
• drying the heat-treated extract to obtain a powder;
• passing the powder and an instant coffee through an extruder for treating the powder and instant coffee for up to 5 minutes and heating the extruder to subject the powder passed through the extruder to a temperature between 180.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. to obtain a caramelized product from the extruder;
• cooling the caramelized product to obtain a cooled product;
• and
• grinding the cooled product to obtain a ground, water-soluble product.

Apparatus for preparing a water-soluble caramelized chicory powder comprising:

• an extraction assembly for obtaining an extract from chicory selected from the group consisting of kiln-dried chicory and of chicory roots wherein when the chicory is kiln-dried chicory, the extraction assembly comprises a diffuser device for extracting the kiln-dried chicory with water and wherein when the chicory is roots, the extraction assembly comprises a mill and a steam coil and press assembly for milling the roots for chopping the roots and then for steaming and pressing chopped roots;
• a separator for separating extract from undissolved solids;
• a tube system for receiving the extract for passage therethrough and comprising means for heating the extract passed therethrough to obtain a heat-treated extract;
• means for drying the heat-treated extract to obtain a powder;
• means for extruding the powder and comprising means for heating the extruder to heat the powder to a temperature to caramelize the powder to obtain a caramelized product from the extruder;
• a cooled belt for receiving the caramelized product from the extruder for cooling the caramelized product;
• and
• means for grinding the cooled caramelized product for obtaining a ground product.