Civet coffee, also known as cat poop coffee or Kopi Luwak, refers to coffee beans harvested from the excreted droppings of Asian palm civets. This unusual coffee has sparked curiosity and debate around taste, production methods and ethics. While some view civet coffee as an exotic delicacy, others raise concerns over animal exploitation. Here is a balanced look at the civet coffee phenomenon.
What is Civet Coffee?
Civet coffee gets its name from Asian palm civets, cat-like mammals native to parts of Asia. The animals ingest coffee cherries for their fleshy pulp, then excrete the indigested beans. Plantation workers harvest these defecated beans to process into coffee brews sold as “civet coffee”. The production method imbues beans with a smooth, chocolaty taste distinguishable from conventional coffee.
History and Origins
Legends trace civet coffee’s discovery to Indonesian farmers observing wild civets’ affinity for ripe coffee cherries. Intrigued by the animals’ habit of eating then excreting beans, the farmers collected, cleaned and brewed these “pooped out” beans. Finding the resulting coffee uniquely smooth and lacking bitterness, they began harvesting civet droppings for niche coffee production.
Regional Origins and Production
While small batches originate across Southeast Asia, civet coffee production remains centered in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines where Asian palm civets are native. Total global supply is limited to just 200-500 metric tons per year. Sold in small batches at high prices up to $700/lb, civet coffee is among the world’s priciest coffees.
Flavors and Brewing
The digestion process infuses the beans with earthy, mushroom-like flavors, making civet coffee less bitter and smoother than regular coffee when brewed. The beans are medium-roasted to prevent overpowering the delicate flavors. Most beans are ground and brewed like regular coffee in a French press or espresso machine.
Civet Coffee Industry Concerns
Civet coffee’s unusual production raises ethical concerns around wild civet procurement and captive animal welfare at specialized civet farms. Many experts urge only purchasing beans from free-ranging civets to avoid supporting cruel intensive farming. Consumers should research providers to determine ethical sourcing practices.
Health and Safety Debates
Some health authorities discourage drinking civet coffee, concerned the animals’ digestive enzymes generate toxins unsafe for human consumption. The FDA prohibits imports over safety fears. However, many Asian and European health agencies deem civet coffee safe in moderation based on tested beans. But safety debates persist.
Environmental Impact
The surge in intensive civet coffee farming also increases ecological pressures. Large numbers of captured civets aggravates deforestation and impact wild ecosystems. Selective sourcing from free-roaming civets reduces environmental impacts.
Alternative Flavor Profiles
Seeking similar flavor experiences without ethical ambiguities, some specialty roasters create “civet style” coffees using beans from other regions like Ethiopia. These small-batch coffees offer comparable smoothness and cocoa notes through careful harvesting and roasting techniques without civet digestion.
While intriguing, the unusual nature of civet coffee raises questions consumers wrestle with around safety, ethics and ecology. Any who do choose to sample it should take care to source beans in a responsible manner. For most coffee lovers, creative artisanal roasts offer new flavors without the concerns.