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How to fix rock hard espresso powder? :p

12 years ago

I am VERY careful about trying to keep powders dry -- don't use wet utensils, re-close the lid immediately, etc., but the espresso powder I bought from KAF turned to a rock solid mass shortly after opening it!

Does anyone know the best way to break this mass up into something usable again? I think I can get the giant lump out of the jar, but I've stabbed at it with a knife and so far it doesn't yield. lol! I tend to only use 1/4 tsp at a time for baking, so small chunks would do. I just don't want to try something that makes a mess! :)

Featured Answer

Solsthumper

11 years ago

My solution is exactly as Coconut-NJ's.

Since you use it mostly in baking, turn your unyielding lump into an espresso extract / syrup, by combining equal parts coffee and boiling water right in the glass jar. Allow to cool slightly, then shake, or stir mixture gently until well distributed. Btw, you could also turn the mixture into a coffee liqueur.

Refrigerate extract (or syrup). Or, for long storage, freeze extract in ice cube trays.

Sol

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Comments (9)

dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
12 years ago
Put it in a few layers of plastic bags. Put the bags in between two boards and hammer hard, After the "rock" is broken into smaller pieces, use you coffee grinder to grind the pieces into powder.

You can also use a vise if you have one in your shop.

dcarch
grainlady_ks
12 years ago
Try grating the "lump" on a box grater or a microplane, according to the size of grind you want. I've done this with tomato powder that got hard. I now keep a desiccant packet (moisture absorbing pillow) in the jar. You may also find storing the powder in the dry confines of the refrigerator helpful.

-Grainlady
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westsider40
12 years ago
Why not give the folks at KAF a call and ask them? Good luck.
party_music50
Original Author
12 years ago
Well.... thank you everyone, but it turns out that I was overly optimistic about getting the lump out of the jar. lol! I did manage to scrape a little with a chef's knife and then wedge the lump in the jar opening so I could use the box grater. I have some nice fine powder for use next time (I hope!) Thanks grainlady because I would have never thought of that! :p
coconut_nj
12 years ago
I had the same situation with espresso powder many years ago. My solution ended up being to pour boiling water on it a bit at a time. I then had a nice thickish syrup consistency. It worked great and incorporated into everything I used it for. Way easier than hacking away. Was able to use it all eventually.
beachlily z9a
12 years ago
I've had the same problem with expresso powder, so now I use Starbuck's Italian roast extra bold instant coffee in place of the expresso and it works. The instant coffee comes in little single-serve packets, 8 to a box and it never goes bad. Not the same thing, but still gives a good taste.
morningglory8
11 years ago
My powder appears to be moldy as well as solid. My solution was tossing it.
pkramer60
11 years ago
I had the same problem with some tomato powder. Dad cleaned a drill bit thoroughly and put it in the jar to loosen it up so I could use some. I then promised to never buy it again.
party_music50 thanked pkramer60

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