Poopy Coffee 10/27/2009
Even among coffee created lovers there are many different preferences of varieties of the java nectar. Manufacturers make special “blends” they give fancy names to try to lure us into trying their coffee in hopes of us becoming avid consumers of their particular creation. One of the more interesting ones is “Kopi Luwak” – sounds fun, intriguing, mysterious, right? Can’t you imagine how others would be impressed hearing you say “I’ll have a cup of Kopi Luwak?” Way cool. That is until you figure out what it really is. Poopy coffee. Yes, you heard me right. The word “kopi” is actually just the Indonesian word for coffee. But the word Luwak refers to a small wild animal that is native to Indonesia and Vietnam. And no, this does not mean that this coffee is the favorite beverage of these furry little creatures. Here’s what it really means. The luwak is actually a cousin of the mongoose. It’s closest counterpart is the North American skunk which shares it’s wonderful ability to spray its predators with noxious odor from its scent glands. Anyway, this cute little stinker is particularly fond of ripe coffee cherries. Once they eat them, they take their normal path through the little guy’s digestive system. The amazing thing is that while the coffee beans are being digested, they are left largely unchanged until they are pooped out. Then, you guessed it, the coffee farmers collect the droppings, clean the beans, which are still green and unroasted, and ship them off to roasters. Research experts have determined that the process of the coffee passing through the little luwak chemically changes the bean by breaking down some of the bean’s proteins which are know to contribute to the bitterness of coffee. Another fun detail is that these little luwaks are picky eaters. You see, when coffee is usually harvested, not all the fruit will be perfectly ripe. Luwaks, however, select only the ripest fruit, which means that the end product (excuse the pun) is of consistently amazing quality. Just what everyone needs, right? A high quality poopy coffee. Don’t worry, it is completely safe to drink. In fact, research shows that due to the thorough washing after harvesting, luwak coffee may even have a lower bacteria level than most other coffees. And, whatever the washing process misses, the roasting takes care of. I have to admit that I’ve never tasted this supposedly smooth and best tasting coffee in the world. Probably because it is also one of the world's most expensive coffees. But it did get me thinking, if man can figure out how to make good coffee out of luwak poop, couldn’t God make something good out something poopy that happens in our life? The bottom line (OK…sorry, couldn’t resist) is that God can make something good out of something poopy. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Java Tip: If you’re interested in trying this rarest of all coffees, you can get a half a pound for a mere $60 or a whole pound for $80 from www.animalcoffee.com or just look up kopi luwak coffee on the internet. CommentsLeave a Reply | Categories Bruce Porter
Imaginating is the art of imagining what could be and using whatever resources available to you to create something beautiful, amazing, and beneficial to others. I have this strong belief that being "created in the likeness and image of God" is really about our unique ability to create like The Creator - to simply think of something that doesn't exist and make it happen. Its a gift I believe everyone possesses. How much we use it is up to us. It is the big WOW - the AHA of life - that we can ponder what could be and do something about it. Whether it be in the arts, restoring relationships, righting an injustice, or creating pleasing environments, I believe we are destined to imagine what part we can play in imagining and creating whatever, to inspire, help, and enrich the lives of others for the common good. CategoriesArchivesNovember 2009 |
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