The secret of coffee beans: the source of black gold excreted by animals

The secret of coffee beans: the source of black gold excreted by animals

Coffee, a drink known as "black gold", has become an indispensable part of people's lives. However, have you ever thought about the secrets hidden behind coffee beans? It turns out that animals are also involved in the production process of coffee beans and have an important impact on the quality of coffee beans.

1. What role do animals play in coffee plants?

In many producing areas, farmers will find that wild animals are their best partners. These animals include squirrels, owls, fruit flies, etc. They help farmers with initial screening and collection of high-quality fruits by eating ripe or overripe berries on the plants.

First up are the squirrels. They climb coffee trees, picking and discarding the underripe or worm-eaten berries as they search for food. This selective feeding ensures that only the best and healthiest berries remain on the tree.

Next are owls. These nocturnal birds of prey nest in coffee trees and feed on squirrels and other small mammals. Their presence maintains the balance of the ecosystem around farmland and reduces potential damage to coffee trees.

Fruit flies also play an important role. These small insects live in overripe or rotten berries and help break down organic matter. Fruit flies complete their life cycle by laying their eggs in overripe berries, further contributing to the quality of the coffee beans.

2. How do animals affect the quality of coffee beans?

Animals are involved in the coffee bean production process not only to help farmers with initial screening and collection of high-quality berries, they also play an important role in the taste and aroma that are ultimately presented to consumers.

First, the squirrels. Since the squirrels only choose the best and healthiest berries to eat, the berries that are picked and left to ripen on the tree are of better quality. These berries are naturally fermented over a period of time, which produces more natural enzymes and chemicals inside the coffee beans, which in turn affects the flavor of the final coffee.

The second is owls. They maintain the balance of the ecosystem around farmland by preying on small mammals such as squirrels. This balance helps reduce the impact of potential hazards to coffee trees, such as insect pests and pathogens. Therefore, due to less external interference, the quality of coffee beans is relatively more stable.

Finally, there are fruit flies. Although they are generally considered a nuisance, they actually play a positive role in the quality of coffee beans. Overripe or rotten berries are infested with fruit fly eggs and larvae, which produce special compounds when decomposing organic matter and promote the natural fermentation process. These special compounds penetrate into the coffee beans and give the coffee its unique aroma and taste.

3. Animals and sustainable coffee production

The involvement of animals in the coffee bean production process is not only good for quality, but also contributes to sustainable coffee production. Protecting and promoting the presence of these animals is of vital importance to farmers.

First, farmers need to provide suitable habitats for these animals, for example, retaining a certain percentage of natural forests around farmland or planting diverse vegetation to attract and nourish wild animal populations.

Secondly, farmers should adopt sustainable farming practices, avoiding the use of environmentally harmful chemicals such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides to reduce negative impacts on surrounding ecosystems and ensure that wildlife can roam safely nearby.

In addition, farmers should be educated to realize that protecting wildlife is in their own interest by properly managing land resources, respecting the laws of nature, and incorporating it into sustainable development strategies.

in conclusion

The role of animals in the coffee bean production process cannot be ignored. They affect the flavor and aroma of coffee beans by selecting and collecting high-quality berries. At the same time, protecting these animals is also an important part of sustainable coffee production. Only when farmers, consumers and conservation organizations work together can we enjoy better quality coffee and make a positive contribution to the diversity of ecosystems on the earth.