Cat poop coffee: Exploring the origin of the world's most unique coffee beans

Cat poop coffee: Exploring the origin of the world's most unique coffee beans

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and the sources of its beans are very diverse. In addition to the common varieties such as Arabica and Robusta, there are some very strange and unique sources of coffee beans. Among them, a series of exotic beans represented by Kopi Luwak has attracted much attention. This article will take you to explore the stories behind these strange coffee beans.

1. The legend behind Kopi Luwak

Kopi luwak refers to a high-end, rare and expensive coffee made from the excrement of luwak, a small mammal in the Asian forest. Legend has it that during the Dutch colonial period in the 18th century, the locals were unable to enjoy the coffee because the cruel rulers took away most of the production and taxes, leaving only enough for a few cups for themselves.

The locals then discovered that palm fruit rats have a special preference for coffee beans. They choose to eat ripe coffee cherries and excrete the beans during the digestion process. The locals found that the texture and flavor of these digested coffee beans have changed, becoming softer and tastier.

2. The process of making civet coffee

Making civet coffee requires a series of complex and tedious steps. First, the coffee beans excreted by palm fruit rats are collected and initially cleaned. Then, they are dried in the sun to remove residual substances and increase dryness.

Next, the skin and pulp are removed by machine or by hand, leaving the inner part, known as the "mucus", which plays a key role in the fermentation process.

Subsequently, the remaining mucous membrane-covered beans are placed in a specific environment for a long time (usually 24 to 36 hours) to ferment. This step is the key to making cat feces coffee. During the fermentation process, a series of chemical reactions will occur, making the coffee beans softer and more flavorful.

Finally, the fermented coffee beans are washed, roasted and ground to make civet coffee that can be brewed.

3. The special flavor of Kopi Luwak

Because it is processed by the palm rat's digestive system, civet coffee has a special flavor that is different from ordinary coffee. It is described as having chocolate, nutty and fruity notes, and is relatively less bitter or pungent. This change in taste is caused by the breakdown or conversion of certain substances into other substances during the digestive process.

However, not everyone can appreciate this special flavor. For some, they may not be able to accept the concept of being associated with animal excrement. In addition, there are also some problems in the market such as counterfeit and inferior products and cruelty to animals in collecting raw materials.

4. Other exotic sources of coffee beans

In addition to civet coffee, there are some other strange sources of coffee beans in the world. For example:

- Civet COFFEE: Similar to palm fruit rats, leopard cats also choose to eat ripe coffee berries and excrete them during digestion. Its production process is similar to that of cat feces coffee.

- Bird Poop Coffee: Farmers in certain areas have discovered that coffee beans that have been processed and washed have a special flavor after being eaten and excreted by wild birds.

5. Conclusion

Although these strange coffee bean sources may be surprising or even disgusting, they show people's infinite creativity in pursuing different tastes and experiences. Whether you like traditional Arabica or dare to try exotic varieties, everyone can choose something delicious that suits their taste according to their preferences.