Kopi Luwak also referred to as cat poop coffee is an actual thing. It’s made from coffee beans consumed by a creature that appears like the cat. The beans are gathered from the poop of the animal and then washed ready for roasting and processing.
Where is this practice originating from? What makes this particular kind of coffee so costly, even considered to be super-premium by some? We’re here to dispel the confusion and debate Kopi Luwak’s popularity. Kopi Luwak, AKA cat coffee with poop.
Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive varieties of coffee around and is also a very rare kind of coffee. It’s because it is made of coffee beans that are subjected to an extremely unique type of processing.
The “premium” espresso beans made using the poop of tiny mammals called the Asian Palm Civet.
The civet picks out and consumes only the freshest coffee berries that are found in the wild. However, it is unable to absorb the beans, so it excretes them in a pristine state. The cat’s digestive system the beans are subject to an array of distinct conditions due to the mixing of digestive enzymes. The beans are semi-processed, and later excreted.
The cat poop is removed, cleaned, and then roasted for sale around the world. Where does it come from?
The legend says that Kopi Luwak is traced back to the time when coffee production in Indonesia first began in the early 1800s. Dutch colonists set up coffee farms across the country, as they brought coffee beans from Yemen.
The 19th century saw the produce of these farms was primarily export by the Dutch into Europe. This meant that those Indonesian farmers who cultivated coffee cherries were unable to brew beans from the harvest..Sucks you think?
Because these farmers had grown used to coffee drinking, they needed to find ways to get the caffeine they craved. They saw the coffee beans that were in the excrement from the Asian Palm civet and started to gather the beans to roast the beans.
As time passed as time passed, the cat poop-based coffee beans that were derived out of desperation became the most sought-after coffees in the world.
The practice then been extended into other Asian countries such as that of Philippines and Vietnam and Vietnam, which have growing trade in cat as well as coffee beans.
What is the process for Kopi Luwak being processed?
In the past, Civets would roam the forest at night, and eat coffee berries as part their diet. Coffee farmers then gather the coffee beans out of their droppings.
Since Western demands of Kopi Luwak has skyrocketed over the past few years, smart businessmen have been making use of these night cats to gain.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of supply of the cat poop coffee comes from areas where Civets are breed and kept in the confinement of captive cats. This is also a common practice throughout other Asian countries which includes the origin country of Indonesia.
Why is Kopi Luwak Coffee Popular?
Kopi Luwak first came to west in the year 1991 by a man named Tony Wild, the then director of coffee for Taylors of Harrogate.
Tony bought a single kilo of Kopi Luwak, and informed the media of his find hoping that it would stir local attention. The coffee that contained cat poop was quickly taken up from the British national press and the world following that.
It was certainly one method to make some commotion over cat poop coffee berries however, it wasn’t one he’d ever imagined.
There are many reasons that Kopi Luwak is prominent on the market of espresso. But is it simply the appeal of a compelling story or is there some kernel of truth hidden in this cat poop cup?
It’s time to get rid of the rubbish, as they say and detach the myths from the factual facts about some of the most costly coffees available in the world.
A rare by-product of Wild Civets
As we’ve mentioned that kopi Luwak is made using the feces of an Asian palm civet. One of the main reasons for popularity is that the cat has a unique digestion process for coffee, that results in a distinctive flavor and aroma when it mixes digestive enzymes.
In addition, it is extremely rare and foraging for cat droppings might be acceptable to certain people after all. The high price and exclusivity for a large number of wealthy customers makes it the ultimate “bling the coffee”.
Since there are many specialty coffees around the world that are flavored with complexity do you think Kopi Luwak’s flavor enough to warrant its price?
Unprecedented and Prized Flavor Coffees
People who advocate for this mysterious cat poop coffee believe that the cost is worth it because of its distinctive taste. Civet cat coffee is believed to be more mellow than regular coffee and has a earthy taste with an effervescent body. The unique process of making coffee is the key element in creating the distinctive civet flavor and aroma.
For coffee enthusiasts who have experience But for those who aren’t it’s a different story. A majority of the industry, including the Specialty Coffee Association, agree that Kopi Luwak just tastes bad.
The main selling point of cat puke coffee is that it is not as bad as. The digestion process of the civet neutralizes and reduces the acidity of coffee beans, and the acidic components are vital to a coffee’s sweetness and flavor.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that there are very few, if any regulations regarding Kopi Luwak cultivation Kopi Luwak exist around the world.
Considered a Luxury Brew by some at around 80$ for a Cup
If Kopi Luwak isn’t a great tasting coffee yet, how come it continues to be considered one of the highest priced coffees?
A cup of cat poop from a coffee is priced at least 50-80 dollars in big cities like New York, while a cup of beans can cost between 100$ and 600$. This is a significant amount of money for a tiny amount of coffee.
The uniqueness in this bean of coffee, its unique method of processing and the tourist attraction surrounding it makes it an extremely expensive coffee.
Bali is known as the place to be for the Kopi Luwak tourist industry. Locals sell the beans and some plantations located in the region offer tours that promise an unforgettable experience using cat poops coffee.
