Are coffee beans feces? Are they edible or not? Are they poisonous?

Are coffee beans feces? Are they edible or not? Are they poisonous?

Coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, and coffee beans are the key ingredient in making it. However, there is a rumor about coffee beans that has caused concern: Do they come from animal feces? This article explores this question and answers whether coffee beans are edible and their potential toxicity.

1. Coffee Bean Origin

First, we need to understand where coffee beans come from. In fact, what is actually used to make coffee is the seeds extracted from certain plants. These plants are often called "vertical growing" plants because they grow directly on branches without relying on other supports.

In the case of what is traditionally called “shade farmed” or “sun farmed,” a layer of sloughed off parts covering the fruit pulp and a slimy outer skin called pectin is usually found around these trees. When the pectin dries, it forms the coffee bean we know as coffee.

2. Animal poop and coffee beans

Now let’s look at the relationship between animal poop and coffee beans. There is indeed a special variety of coffee called “luve coffee” or “civet cat poop coffee” that uses the poop of the civet cat (a small mammal) which is produced in the wild in the forests of Asia.

The process of making this special variety is as follows: when civets eat certain plant fruits, they cannot digest the pulp and mucous skin. Over time, these undigested parts are excreted and fermented during the excretion process. People then wash, dry and shell the fermented feces, and finally get "cat feces coffee" with a special flavor and taste.

3. Common coffee beans available in the market

In addition to the special varieties mentioned above, the common coffee beans on the market do not come from animal feces. They are obtained by processing the fruits on the trees and have nothing to do with animal excrement.

These common coffee beans are usually referred to as Arabica and Robusta, two main varieties that are widely grown around the world and dominate coffee making.

4. Are coffee beans edible?

From an edible perspective, commercially available coffee beans are safe to consume. In fact, ground and brewed coffee beverages are an essential part of many people's morning routine.

However, caution is required when eating raw coffee beans or coffee beans that have not been boiled, as they may be contaminated with bacteria, mold, or other microorganisms that may have health consequences.

5. Caffeine Content and Toxicity

Another more important issue with coffee, aside from whether it is safe to consume, is its caffeine content and potential toxicity. Caffeine is a chemical found naturally in coffee beans that stimulates the nervous system and stimulates the brain.

Under normal circumstances, moderate intake of caffeine is safe for most people. However, people who consume too much or are allergic to caffeine may experience adverse reactions such as palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, etc.

In addition, long-term and large intake of high concentrations of caffeine may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, when drinking any caffeinated beverage, you need to be moderate and adjust it according to your personal constitution.

in conclusion

To sum up, the common coffee beans commonly sold in the market do not come from animal feces. They are obtained by processing the fruits on the trees and are safe to eat.

However, care needs to be taken to avoid bacterial contamination issues when consuming raw beans without processing or boiling. In addition, due to its high concentration of caffeine, excessive intake may lead to adverse reactions and dependence.

Therefore, when enjoying coffee, we should drink it in moderation and adjust it according to our personal constitution. At the same time, for special varieties of "cat feces coffee", although they do come from animal feces, they are safe to eat after being processed.