Would you try this insect-infused coffee from China?
Buzz kill...Not only are these coffee drinks infused with bugs, but customers can also eat them as a side.
We thought that Kopi Luwak coffee from Asia was the most controversial coffee, after all, it's made using the excrement of a civet.
The coffee bean is eaten by a civet, an animal that resembles a mongoose or meerkat. Once ingested, the coffee beans ferment inside the civet, and once passed out as a stool, they are brewed into coffee.
A coffee shop in Pu'er, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, has raised the bar and created a buzz online with its insect-infused coffee.
The different flavours on the menu include Bamboo Worm Americano, Grasshopper Latte, and Earth Bee Latte, which are made with locally sourced insects.
"Xu Qing, the coffee shop's owner, said that bamboo worms, grasshoppers, and earth bees are not only brewed into coffee but can also be eaten on their own, seasoned with salt or chilli powder, giving customers a unique culinary experience," reports Global Times.
Qing's idea might've been spontaneous, but it is not uncommon for this region to feature insects in their cuisine. Qing wanted to incorporate the local food culture with coffee.
According to China Insider: "Yunnan isn’t just known for bugs—it’s also the heart of China’s coffee production. The province grows over 98% of China’s coffee beans, with over 55,000 tonnes produced annually and exported worldwide."
So, while this may be an unusual food trend for many people worldwide, this region offers expertise in both coffee and insects and has many people eager to try it.
The insect-infused coffee cost between 68 and 98 yuan ($9.4 and $13.5), depending on the insect used. That's approximately R169 and R242.
Watch the video below from Instagram.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Image Courtesy of Instagram