People are finding more and more creative ways to bring life back to a a cup of Coffee. From serving them in avocado shells to brewing them with different flavors, many people across the world keep coming up with ways to differentiate their cup of Joe.

In Indonesia, a new trend is emerging and it has gotten the attention of locals and travelers alike. What is it exactly? Burning coal coffee, or coffee served with a chunk of hot, burning coal. You read that right. This new way of coffee-drinking began in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where this unique coffee was first served in the 1960s, Oddity Central reported.

The coal-infused coffee is called Kopi Joss and was first created by a man called Mr. Man back in the 1960s after he suffered from a "troubled stomach." The idea came to him as he was boiling water over some coal for his coffee. He decided to pop in some burning charcoal into his coffee and that's when the concept of Kopi Joss was born.

A tourist attraction

When the charcoal-infused coffee was born back in the 1960s, people found it highly unusual and only the young adults were crazy enough to try it. Today, Kopi Joss has become a sensation among both locals and tourists alike. It's very simple to make, though, as Kopi Joss is just coffee grounds, a few spoons of sugar, and some boiling water.

The finishing touch is a chunk of hot, blistering charcoal dropped into the glass, causing the coffee to boil. According to NowThis Food, its medicinal effects supposedly treats nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea, and other stomach pains. Those who have tried it say that it has a caramel-like taste, as the charcoal burns the sugar in the cup.

What is activated charcoal?

Although this new way of drinking coffee isn't scientifically proven to heal any stomach problems, charcoal coffee may bring to mind the health benefits of activated charcoal, which has been generating buzz in the last couple of years. Take note, however, that activated charcoal isn't the same charcoal in the Kopi Joss coffee.

Activated charcoal health benefits

Aside from taking charcoal in coffee, there are many other ways people can benefit from charcoal. Take for example activated charcoal, which according to Food Matters has a variety of health benefits. Activated charcoal, which is made out of oxygen-burned bamboo, wood, coal, or coconut shell to create a highly porous substance, is in fact used as a digestive supplement. Food Matters reported that as per a study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, activated charcoal does help prevent intestinal gas after a meal consisting of gas-producing foods. It may be the reason why people are downing the charcoal coffee after all.