If you are on a mission of finding the world’s most unique coffee, make no mistake, you will find it in Indonesia. Meet the legendary Indonesian Coffee Poop, Kopi Luwak, which is also considered as one of the most expensive coffee beans in the world. Why “coffee poop”? Well, it has to do with how it was made. It is literally made from animal poop. To be more precise, it is made from coffee beans that are partially digested and then pooped out by a civet (Luwak in Bahasa Indonesia language), a cat-like creature. If you are concerned about the hygiene of this product though, there’s a comforting fact about the whole process. Before roasting, the outer shell of the coffee bean is removed, and the remaining product is cleaned appropriately. So, the name Kopi Luwak refers to the unique manufacturing process of this coffee, and the animal that plays a big part –or even the main role– in its manufacture.
But do you have any idea what a civet cat is like? This furry thing is usually found in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It looks like a monkey, with a long tail and distinctive marks on the face like a raccoon. They eat insects and small reptiles, in addition to fruits like coffee cherries and mangoes. However, in Indonesia, the Asian palm civets are considered a pest by some people, because they often attack commercial fruit farms.
Speaking of the taste of this Indonesian Coffee Poop, the civet cat’s digestive enzymes change the protein structure in coffee beans, which removes some of the acidity, resulting in a smoother cup of coffee with a hint of chocolate flavor. The aftertaste of this coffee is very clean, and it’s less bitter than ordinary coffee beans. Some say it also has a refreshing, fruity flavor. The natural fermentation process in the civet cat’s digestive system may have something to do with it. Actually, Kopi Luwak has a rich flavor that cannot be described solely in words. You should taste it by yourself and be indulged by its heavenly taste. One thing’s for sure, this is the kind of coffee that is too good to be missed.
Researchers also conclude that drinking Kopi Luwak contributes a lot to your health. For example, the low acidity of this Indonesian Coffee Poop is less likely to cause gastrointestinal problems. It can also protect against certain malignancies and slow cognitive deterioration. Moreover, the levels of caffeine and protein in Luwak coffee beans are somewhat lower than those found in regular coffee. One more thing, for a heavy coffee drinker, Kopi Luwak might help maintain your good look. Kopi Luwak has antimicrobial properties that help strengthen your teeth, reducing discoloration that is frequent with other coffees.
Be very careful though, whenever you are looking to buy Kopi Luwak beans, because there are many fake Kopi Luwak products out there. Obviously, it’s cheaper, but also poor in taste. The genuine Kopi Luwak will have a more full-bodied and earthy scent, with less acidity. Make sure to buy Kopi Luwak only from a trusted coffee bean supplier.
