The next stage was to create granules
from the powder, which was still produced in the same way. The
granules, however, were a visual, and probably psychological,
improvement because they looked so much more like freshly-ground
coffee (albeit already used ground coffee). Indeed, what granules
really contributed to the coffee market was confusion. Because
granules look more like coffee grounds but are an instant product,
there are thousands of people who, never having actually brewed
roast-and-ground coffee, on exposure to the natural product, have
been known to put a spoonful in the bottom of a mug, pour hot water
over it, expect an immediate coffee flavor, and be rather shocked to
find coffee grounds in the bottom of the cup.
