In Thailand, as in Greece, there is everything. Even the things with which I personally have this country did not associate anything. For example, I, bycholev before moving to Phuket all southeast Asia along and across, did not suspect the existence of Thai coffee or winemaking. However, as it turned out, in these two spheres, Thai pretty succeeded. But if I did not get close to local wines, then here is coffee, although I continue to feed the chest, nevertheless drinking. True, not all varieties.
... For a start, a small historical excursion. It all started in the eighties of the last century. It was then that His Highness The King of Rama IX launched an extensive program to grow coffee. Earlier in the "Gold Triangle" (this is such a place at the junction of the three states - Thailand, Myanmar and Laos) were industrialed by opium. However, after the adoption of the royal program, farmers, away from sin, began to get rid of opium plantations. On joy to us, coofer. Because, as it turned out, local lands are quite capable of giving decent coffee varieties "Arabica".
Coffee plantations are located in the north of Thailand.
As a result, Thailand is considered the largest Asian coffee exporter. True, the Thais themselves belong to this drink very peculiar. For them, it is primarily a dessert. The usual feeding of coffee here is this: espresso poured into the tall glass, pour the mountain of ice, rudely squeezed with condensed milk and are still decorated with whipped cream. Therefore, if you want to drink just cappuccino or lade (there is in any cafe), you must definitely check: "HOT!"
And, of course, Thais managed to distinguish between both in this area. They not only deliver a great Arabica to many countries of the world, but also invented the most, perhaps the original kind of coffee. Well, or at least the most expensive. In short, the essence is so (it is especially impressionable not to read!). Elephants are allowed for breakfast, lunch and dinner exclusively coffee beans, and then ... just collect them litter. Everything is thoroughly washed. And - Voila, - Divine Drink Ready!
We already have a cafe in Phuket, which serves Black Ivory Coffe. It is not suiced even in Moscow standards - about $ 50 for a portion. But those who want to try, and there are quite a lot of them. And although I usually at least curiosity for the sake of trying all exotic, but this time I decided not to experiment. So I can only transmit other people's words.
Elephants are fed with coffee beans, then to get the most unusual and expensive variety of coffee.
So, they say that coffee from the poop of elephants is incredibly soft and fragrant (who would doubt!). Because, they say, the gastric acid of elephants destroys the protein, which is the key factor in bitterness in coffee. Well, I believe in the word. Better tell you about any other exotic. For example, about fried cockroaches and smoked scorpions.
Continued ...
Read the previous history of Olga here, and where it all starts - here.