What is Monkey Coffee?

Monkey coffee is a rare, expensive coffee made from beans chewed and spat out by monkeys. This type of coffee is mainly produced in India and Taiwan. Wild monkeys naturally create "monkey poop coffee" by eating the outer layer of coffee cherries and discarding the beans. This process ferments the beans, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee. Monkey coffee is expensive and rare, costing about $100 to $500 per pound. It is one of the priciest coffees in the world, similar to Kopi Luwak, Black Ivory Coffee, and Bat Poop Coffee.

What is Monkey Coffee?

Monkey coffee, or monkey parchment coffee, is a rare and expensive coffee made from beans chewed and spat out by rhesus and Formosan rock macaque monkeys. The name "monkey coffee" comes from the role monkeys play in coffee production, especially in India and Taiwan. Monkey coffee, often called "monkey poop coffee," is not made from monkey feces. Instead, the coffee beans are exposed to enzymes in the monkeys' saliva before being collected and processed. Alternative names for monkey coffee include "monkey spit coffee" or "monkey parchment coffee".

Monkey coffee is more ethical and sustainable than civet coffee because the monkeys remain wild and free. Unlike Asian palm civets, rhesus and Formosan rock macaques do not eat, swallow, or digest coffee beans. Monkeys consume the outer fruit of coffee cherries, and farmers collect the beans after they are spat out. Authentic monkey poop coffee is rare, with annual production estimated at around 100 pounds per producer. Monkey poop coffee is available as whole beans and ground coffee. Whole beans require grinding before brewing, while ground coffee is ready to brew.

Where Does Monkey Poop Coffee Come From?

Monkey poop coffee comes from coffee beans that monkeys partially eat and spit out. India and Taiwan are the main regions for monkey poop coffee production. In India, rhesus monkeys process coffee beans in the Chikmagalur region of Karnataka. Chikmagalur, the "Coffee Land of Karnataka," is home to vast coffee plantations and is considered the birthplace of Indian coffee. Monkey poop coffee in Taiwan comes from Formosan rock macaques in Chiayi County’s mountain forests. Alishan, located in Chiayi County, is famous for its high-altitude coffee farms, which range from 1,000 to 1,400 meters in elevation.

How is Monkey Poop Coffee Made?

Monkey poop coffee is made spontaneously when wild monkeys chew the outer fruit of the coffee cherries, discard the beans, and expose them to natural fermentation. Monkeys select the ripest and sweetest coffee cherries during harvest season, acting as natural quality control. Their selective picking ensures only the most mature and flavorful cherries are used.

During this chewing process, salivary α-amylase enzymes in monkeys' saliva breaks down starches in coffee cherry pulp into simpler sugars. This enzymatic activity reduces bitterness and acidity of the beans, enhancing coffee’s smoothness and complexity. Partial fermentation from these enzymes is believed to create create a smoother, more refined taste of monkey coffee. Monkeys do not ingest coffee beans. They spit out the inner beans with the parchment skin onto the ground.

After the monkeys have discarded the beans, local farmers collect discarded beans from the forest floor, a labor-intensive process requiring careful searching. This contributes to the high cost of monkey coffee. Monkey spit coffee beans are processed in small batches. The unroasted beans have a grayish tint, unlike typical raw coffee beans, and may show visible teeth marks. After collection, the beans undergo processing similar to traditional coffee beans. The beans are rinsed and washed to remove dirt, debris, and coffee cherry remnants. They are then processed, including hulling, sorting, and drying to reduce moisture. Drying is often done naturally on shaded grounds for two to three weeks.

What Animal is Used to Make Monkey Poop Coffee Beans?

Rhesus monkeys and Formosan rock macaques are the animals used to make monkey poop coffee beans. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are omnivorous-frugivorous primates that consume fruits, leaves, flowers, shoots, roots, invertebrates, and small animals. They have brown to gray fur with lighter undersides, a medium-length nonprehensile tail, and cheek pouches for storing food. Formosan rock macaques (Macaca cyclopis), or Taiwanese macaques, have light red faces framed by tufted fur, partially covering their ears. Formosan monkeys are omnivorous and consume a variety of plants and small animals.

What Does Monkey Coffee Taste Like?

Monkey coffee has a unique flavor profile influenced by partial fermentation during chewing. The process breaks down sugars, resulting in a naturally sweeter taste than traditional coffee. The coffee has a smooth, full-bodied texture and refined taste. Monkey spit coffee has round acidity due to fermentation in the monkey’s mouth, which reduces acidity. Enzymes in the saliva decrease bitterness, enhancing complexity and revealing a full spectrum of flavor notes. Some detect fruity undertones, including tropical fruits, berries, and citrus. Additional notes often feature caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and nuts, with occasional floral accents. Monkey poop coffee flavors vary based on bean origin, brewing method, and bean species.

How to Brew Monkey Coffee?

To brew monkey coffee, follow the five steps below.

1. Grind Fresh: Grind beans just before brewing for optimal flavor.
2. Choose a Method: – Use pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or Moka pot for best results. Avoid drip machines.
3. Use Filtered Water: – Brew with clean, filtered water at the ideal temperature.
4. Measure Properly: – Follow the purveyor’s recommended grounds-to-water ratio.
5. Serve Black: – Enjoy without additives to appreciate the unique flavors.

What is the Price for Monkey Poop Coffee?

Monkey coffee costs $100 to $500 USD per pound and $220 to $1,100 USD per kilogram. A cup in coffee shops costs between $7 and $10. Prices are high due to limited availability, unique production methods, rarity, labor costs, and ethical certifications.

Is Monkey Coffee Expensive?

Yes, monkey coffee is an expensive specialty coffee because it's rare and hard to harvest. It is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, alongside Kopi Luwak, Black Ivory Coffee, and Bat Poop Coffee, because the monkeys eat only certain beans, and the beans must be collected by hand. Although other animal-processed coffees like Kopi Luwak are more expensive, monkey coffee is still considered a premium, rare, and fancy coffee.

Where to Buy Indian Monkey Coffee?

You can find authentic Indian monkey coffee at specialty coffee brands, high-end retailers, and trusted online sellers. Verify authenticity to avoid fakes. Consider ethical sourcing, limited availability, and proper storage. Direct farm purchases may be possible but are rare.

While Colipse doesn't currently offer monkey coffee, we are passionate about providing high-quality Indian coffee. We offer specialty-grade single-origin Indian coffee beans for sale online from Wayanad District, roasted fresh and shipped directly to you. For the best flavor, buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing.

What Other Animal East Coffee Beans?

Several animals consume coffee beans by eating the cherries and digesting or chewing them. Civets, elephants, and jacu birds process beans through digestion, while bats and monkeys chew and ferment them. Coatis also eat ripe Arabica beans. The enzymes in saliva and digestion alter coffee flavor uniquely.

What is the Difference between Monkey Coffee and Kopi Luwak?

The main difference between monkey coffee and kopi luwak is their production process. Rhesus monkey coffee comes from beans chewed and spit out by rhesus monkeys, while Kopi Luwak is made from beans eaten and excreted by civet cats. Both methods alter the beans’ chemical composition, affecting flavor and reducing bitterness.