A process for the continuous extraction of water soluble solids from solidparticles containing them for providing an extract product in one or moreextraction stages. In each extraction stage, a slurry containing particles to beextracted and extract is introduced into an extraction reactor to form an upwardlymoving packed bed. Particles are scraped from the packed bed for defining anupper surface of the packed bed. An extraction liquid is introduced into theextraction reactor above the upper surface of the packed bed. A portion of theextraction liquid percolating through the packed bed for extracting water solublesubstances from the particles in the packed bed and forming an extract. Theremaining portion of the extraction liquid entrains the particles scraped from thepacked bed for providing a spent particles slurry. The spent particles slurry isremoved from the extraction reactor. Extract is removed from below the packedbed and at least a portion of the extract forms the extract product. The extractionstages may be separated by one or more solubilization stages. Examples of watersoluble substances are soluble coffee solids or soluble tea solids.
