History of coffee beans: black ivory coffee
Northern Thailand begins where the plain rice fields above Bangkok slowly transform into mountains separating the country from Myanmar and Laos. This is a large region which is famous for its great geographical and cultural differences compared to the southern part of the country. Mountains in the northern part are one of the geographical aspects that affect the lives of local people.
Black ivory coffee. Coffee Friend
Elephants play a special role in the production of Black Ivory Coffee, which is made by Thai elephants protected by The Golden Elephant Triangle Foundation in the Chiang Saen region of northern Thailand. The process begins with the selection of the best Arabica beans in the region (they grow at 1500 meters above sea level).
After the elephants make their "lunch", the local Mahuti and their compatriots pick the beans and leave them to sunbathe so they can be roasted. One kilogram of roasted coffee requires about 10,000 beans.
At the same time, it takes 33 kg of coffee berries to make one kilogram of Black Ivory Coffee.
Black ivory coffee. Coffee Friend
Black Ivory Coffee donates 8% of its income to support elephant vets. In this way, free care of the rescued elephants is provided. Additional funds are used to purchase medicines and build a new laboratory.
Black ivory coffee. Coffee Friend Why does this process affect the taste of coffee? Dr. Marcone of the University of Guelph, a researcher at the University of Guelph, conducted research showing that during processing, an elephant in the stomach develops an enzyme that breaks down coffee protein. Just as this protein makes coffee bitter, a smaller amount makes it softer. Also, compared to carnivores, the digestive system of herbivores (such as elephants) works much faster and releases significantly more enzymes. Digestive enzymes affect coffee berries ranging from the soft, surrounding part to the bean.
Are Elephants Affected by Caffeine in Beans? No. The design of the green coffee beans is truly unique because the husk is a protective barrier when it holds the coffee oils inside. In addition, heat is needed to produce caffeine. That's why coffee beans are roasted at 200 degrees, while coffee is poured with water at 93 degrees Celsius.
Black ivory coffee. Coffee Friend
Some facts about coffee:
In 2015, only 150 kg of this coffee were made. One kg of coffee requires 33 kg of coffee berries. The rescued elephant processes only local coffee berries, so the coffee is 100% Thai Arabica. Coffee is made with a device designed in 1840 in France. This coffee can only be tasted in 5-star hotels, Thailand and the Maldives. 4 cups of coffee (~ 400 ml) cost $ 50. A pack of coffee beans (you will make about 400g) costs $ 40.