Instant Coffee

[QuizmasterG]

I don't know if this has been asked before, if so, I apologise in advance.

I have been told not to pour boiling water directly onto instant coffee grains as this scalds them and I should add a little cold water first.

Is this true or is it more pretentious foodie nonsense?

[Ratty2E]

I have heard the same and if I do make instant coffee I normally put a little milk in first before the water as i prefer the taste. Try it and see.

[Misky]

I haven't heard that before but it would explain why I prefer coffee with the milk poured in before the water. I can always tell if it's done the other way around...

[Old_Geezer]

Whilst I do not know, what I do know is the instructions that came with the coffee filter thingy I bought a while back said it should be using hot not boiling water, so maybe there is something in it. In fact on the Internet (if one can believe what one reads there) IO recall one site suggesting tea should not normally use boiling either as it is only the black variety (which I guess is the one most used) that can cope with it.

But ... I reckon if you can't tell the difference with your instant brand then you need not lose much sleep over what the water temperature is.

[jennyjoan]

If you like coffee to taste like good coffee - go for Colombian in Lidl - really nice and tastes even better than percolated.

[RATTER15]

Just try both and see what you prefer, there are no other considerations really.

Personally, I just pour boiling water straight onto the coffee!

[ladybirder]

Do what it says on the label.

[QuizmasterG]

Thank you all for your input.

I will experiment!!

[janbee]

I'm a MIF girl... i.e. Milk In First

[diddlydo]

It matters not what you do to instant "coffee" - it tastes c***. Why not make proper coffee?

[mazie]

Coffee gets scalded by pouring boiling water on it and makes it taste bitter, milk in first QM

[mazie]

But ground coffee is much better :o)

[Booldawg]

very true - MIF. Tea on the other hand requires to water to be boiled and poured into to the cup straightaway.

This is why you shouldn't put milk in with the tea-bag before the water; it will cool the water quicker than you want. The Enzymic activity required when brewing tea will only happen properly in the first few minute or so of boiling point.

[EDDIE51]

I normally make instant coffee with hot but not boiling water. But that is so I can drink it quickly rather than for the taste.

[Baldric]

M P F N !!

[FrogNog]

I have a friend who insists it's undrinkable unless the milk is in first but I always make it water first and she never notices.

[jack daniels]

i bring it to the boil but actually boiling and have it like that

Anna x

[marval]

MIF for me, I hate it made with the water first.

[Caran]

I always put milk and sugar if needed in first. Give it a really good stir then add boiling water. It's amazing the difference in the taste.

[mikey4444]

I think you are right, but an reall no-no is to pour boiling water into a cafetiere. As this can scald the ground beans, always leave 10 seconds after the kettle is boiled before adding the hot water.

How many people put a tea bag into a cup, splash on some cold milk and then add boiling water ?...Drives me mad !