Poop Coffee: The Beans

miscpix    says:

From an article describing food science research conducted by Massimo Marcone at the University of Guelph:

But the big question was whether passing through the GI tract of the Luwak really makes Kopi Luwak coffee beans different from regular beans. So, Marcone and other members of his department completed a series of tests on the Kopi Luwak beans and compared them with Columbian beans, which were used as a control.

First, they examined if there was any colour differences between unroasted samples of the two beans. Using a colorimeter – an instrument that detects different colours – they found that the Kopi Luwak beans had more red and yellow tones, whereas the control beans were more greenish in colour.

The surfaces of the two beans were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The Kopi Luwak beans were found to be smoother than the control, indicating that the gastric acids and/or enzymes of the Luwak were exfoliating the surface of the bean, says Marcone.

Pitting was also observed on the surface, and the next step was to determine if the acids and enzymes were actually penetrating the Kopi Luwak beans, affecting them in some way. Electrophoresis – a method that “fingerprints” proteins – was used to determine differences in the protein content of Kopi Luwak and control beans. The Kopi Luwak beans were found to be lower in total protein, meaning that proteins were partially broken down and leached out during their travel in GI tract of the Luwak.

This has the potential to affect the flavour and aroma of the beans, says Marcone.
Proteins are responsible for much of the flavour, particularly bitterness. Since Kopi Luwak beans have less protein, they may produce a less bitter coffee, he says.

camden olive    says:

I can SMELL the coffee looking at this picture!
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

socks and sandals says:

I'm not sure it's the coffee you're smelling.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

daejn    says:

Hello... I used this story on Londonist.com

londonist.com/2008/04/feline_faeces_m.php

Thanks!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

realestateflickr says:

Nice photo and unbelievable coffee bean prices. We're going to include this on a blog post about Outrageously Expensive Household Items at louisville.movingtoanapartment.com/
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )