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What Is Black Ivory Coffee? Elephant Poop Coffee Ethics, Price & More!

elephant made out of coffee beans on burlap sack

For coffee fans looking for a unique and exotic coffee experience, look no further than Black Ivory Coffee. As one of the most expensive coffees in the world, Black Ivory Coffee is made from beans that have been digested and processed by elephants. Yes, you read that right: it’s elephant poop coffee.

But what else is there to know about this one-of-a-kind java? In this quick guide, you’ll find out all the details about what makes Black Ivory Coffee so special and how it is made, as well as how you can get your hands on some. From the history of the elephant poop coffee to the flavor and aroma, this guide is all you need to become an expert on this fascinating beverage. Let’s discuss.

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What Exactly Is Black Ivory Coffee?

Black Ivory Coffee is what’s known as a “coffee extract” beverage. That is, the caffeine from coffee beans has been extracted and put into another substance – in this case, coconut oil. While many people have heard about Black Ivory Coffee, few understand how it’s actually made. In simple terms, the process works a bit like this: coffee beans are put into a container with a herd of Asian elephants.

The elephants then digest the coffee beans, and the coffee is extracted from their feces. The coffee extract is then put into cans and sold as a beverage. Black Ivory Coffee is not just one type of coffee, but a variety of coffee beans, blended together, that have been digested and processed by elephants.

a pack of Black Ivory coffee beans
Image Credit: Alp Galip, Shutterstock

History of Black Ivory Coffee

The history of elephant poop coffee is sort of an interesting one actually. It all started in the 1980s, when a coffee company called Black Ivory Coffee began to experiment with a special type of coffee that was unique, yet expensive. This coffee was made from coffee beans that had been digested and processed by Asian elephants.

After a little research, the company realized that these elephants had been going to a coffee plantation in Thailand and eating the coffee beans from the coffee trees there. The owners of the coffee plantation saw the elephants as pests and had been trying to get rid of them. So, they decided to use the elephants’ natural instincts against them and feed them coffee beans instead. This created the perfect situation for creating coffee that was high quality and unique.

Flavor Profile and Aroma of Black Ivory Coffee

The flavor of Black Ivory Coffee is a combination of very potent coffee beans and rich, earthy tones. In addition, the coffee is described as having a creamy texture and a light, citrus-like aroma. However, as each type of Black Ivory Coffee is made differently, the flavor and aroma can vary. So, you may find that your batch of coffee is a little bit different from the next person’s.

Health Benefits of Black Ivory Coffee

Black Ivory Coffee may taste amazing and be ethically sourced, but what health benefits does it have? Surprisingly, a lot. While the caffeine content of coffee beans that are digested and processed by elephants isn’t known, the coffee beans themselves are rich in antioxidants and minerals.

In fact, coffee beans contain more antioxidants than tea leaves. As such, they may help protect against things like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Not only that, but the high levels of magnesium and potassium found in coffee beans can aid in muscle relaxation and blood pressure reduction. In addition, the high levels of B vitamins found in coffee beans can help improve your mood and energy levels.

woman drinking a cup of black ivory coffee
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

Where to Buy Black Ivory Coffee

To buy Black Ivory Coffee, you’ll first have to find a reputable supplier. As it’s not a mainstream coffee, you may have trouble finding it in stores. Luckily, you can purchase the coffee online, which is the most common way to obtain it.

Most online stores that sell Black Ivory Coffee also offer a variety of packaging options and shipping options, so you can get the coffee delivered to your door no matter where you live. If you want to try Black Ivory Coffee, but don’t know where to start, try purchasing just a sample pack. These are often available online with many specialty coffee retailers, and they allow you to try a few different types of coffee. This can make it easier to decide which flavor you like best.

How Much Does Black Ivory Coffee Cost?

The price of this special coffee pretty much varies depending on the type of coffee you buy and how much you buy. However, that being stated, know that this coffee is generally considered a “specialty” coffee and is therefore fairly expensive. While one can of traditional coffee may only cost $5-$10, one can of Black Ivory Coffee can cost anywhere from $50-$250. If you’re looking to purchase a larger quantity of coffee, the price per can will be cheaper.

Black Ivory Coffee Alternatives

If you’re looking for a coffee with a similar flavor profile to Black Ivory Coffee, try Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee Beans. This coffee is known for its citrus and floral notes, which make it a great alternative to Black Ivory Coffee. Plus, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee Beans are also ethically sourced. While they may not be as unique as Black Ivory Coffee, they’re a great option if you’re looking for a coffee with a similar flavor.

Another alternative to Black Ivory Coffee is Papua New Guinea Coffee Beans. Like black ivory coffee, this coffee is known for having floral and citrus notes. Papua New Guinea Coffee Beans are also organic, making them a somewhat healthier choice.

flag of Papua New Guinea sticking in roasted coffee beans
Image Credit: Per Bengtsson, Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Black Ivory Coffee consumed the most?

The most popular place to consume Black Ivory Coffee is Japan, which is where it first became popular. However, the rising popularity of coffee in other parts of Asia, as well as other countries around the world, has led to increased demand for this luxury coffee. People in Taiwan and China have also started to consume Black Ivory Coffee more, as well as people in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Black Ivory Coffee has become so popular that you can even order it at certain restaurants in the United States, making it more accessible for American coffee lovers.

What is the shelf life of Black Ivory Coffee? 

The shelf life of Black Ivory Coffee depends on the way it’s stored (like many coffees), but it can last for up to 10 years if stored properly. The coffee beans should be kept in an airtight container in a cool and dry place to prevent them from going bad. But once the coffee has been roasted, it should be consumed within a couple of weeks before it goes stale.

What food pairings work best with Black Ivory Coffee?

Given the bold and intense flavor of Black Ivory Coffee, you may want to opt for lighter and milder foods to accompany your coffee. Some good pairings for Black Ivory Coffee include vanilla ice cream, blue cheese, mango, chocolate cake, roasted chicken, and nuts. These foods can help balance out the flavor of the coffee so that it doesn’t overpower the other foods you eat with it.

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Conclusion

Boasting the title of one of the world’s most expensive coffees, Black Ivory Coffee has been featured in magazines and newspapers around the world. And it just may be one of the most expensive coffees in the world, but it’s worth every penny – for some. While it may not be a coffee you drink every day, it is a perfect coffee to serve at parties and special occasions. If you’ve ever wanted to try a coffee that stands out, Black Ivory Coffee is a coffee worth considering.


Featured Image Credit: Viktoria Gavrilina, Shutterstock

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Ollie Jones

Oliver (Ollie) Jones is a zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia. Originally from the US, he thought he loved coffee before his big move down under, but his discovery of the flat white and the cafe on every corner has taken his coffee passion to a whole new level. He's so excited to share his knowledge and experience with readers worldwide (and keep testing coffee drinks while he's at it).

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