Coffee is an integral part of the lives of millions of people worldwide, from traditional Arabica beans to specialty blends. Little did anyone know that in a small farm in the Espirito Santo rainforest in Brazil, one of the most expensive and rare coffees in the world is being produced – Jacu Bird Coffee, made from the droppings of wild Jacu birds.
A tale of transformation from pest to partner
Henrique Sloper, a Brazilian organic coffee farmer, initially did not intend to produce this unique coffee. He was distraught when he saw flocks of Jacu birds feasting on the ripe coffee berries he had nurtured all season. Instead of shooing them away, Henrique saw an opportunity.
Upon closer observation, he realized that the Jacu birds had a refined palate – they only picked the ripest and most flavorful berries. Similar to the famous civet coffee, the coffee beans remained intact even after passing through the bird’s digestive system. Henrique decided to collect the beans from the bird droppings, pioneering a novel approach in the coffee industry.
The elusive Jacu bird – a wild treasure
The Jacu bird is a rare wild species, belonging to the pheasant family, predominantly inhabiting the tropical rainforests of Brazil. The Brazilian government strictly protects this species due to its endangered status resulting from habitat loss.
Unlike civets in Asia, which are often caged for coffee production, Jacu birds roam free in their natural habitat without any interference in their biological processes. This makes the production of Jacu Bird Coffee even more exceptional: entirely organic, natural, and ecologically respectful.
A laborious and costly production process
Each Jacu coffee bean undergoes a meticulous manual cleaning process after being collected from bird droppings. The first step involves hand-washing the beans to ensure the removal of impurities while preserving their natural structure. The beans are then carefully sun-dried before proceeding to the roasting stage.
The most distinctive step is the three-month-long aging process, where the beans are wrapped in goatskin paper. This allows the coffee’s aroma to fully develop, resulting in a subtle and unique flavor profile – described as reminiscent of allspice, with hints of dry grass and a lingering aftertaste.
Valuable treasure from unexpected sources
With its stringent production standards, limited quantity, and unconventional origin, Jacu Bird Coffee commands a price of up to $1,700 per kg, placing it among the most expensive coffees globally, alongside Kopi Luwak from Indonesia and Black Ivory Coffee made from Thai elephant droppings.
More than just a beverage, Jacu Bird Coffee is regarded as a natural work of art, a collaboration between humans and wild birds. Acquiring this coffee has been likened to “panning for gold,” emphasizing its rarity and value.
In high demand among coffee connoisseurs
Despite its limited production, Jacu Bird Coffee is sought after by upscale markets in Japan, France, the UK, and beyond. Avid coffee enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium to indulge in this “black gold from the deep forest.”
A cup of Jacu Bird Coffee transcends the realm of mere beverage; it narrates a story of nature, ecological preservation, and human creativity.
From “pest” to “natural treasure”
Henrique Sloper, the farmer who once despaired over the bird’s destruction of his crops, transformed this “nuisance” into an opportunity, leveraging nature’s peculiar gift to put his small farm on the global coffee map.
His story serves as a vibrant illustration of sustainable agriculture philosophy: instead of battling nature, embrace collaboration and mutual growth. Sometimes, what seems like a disaster can be the greatest opportunity in disguise.
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