05-18-2007, 12:50 AM
By A. Kairi
There is a new fad sweeping through Australia. Kopi Luwak coffee which is made from coffee beans excreted by civet cats ranks high amongst the world's most expensive and rare coffees. Its popularity is growing quickly in Australia, where citizens already have been increasing their coffee consumption in the past decade, according to Reuters.
Coffee consumption per person has grown exponentially from 300 grams to 2.4 kilograms since the 1930's. The Australian coffee trade now brings in an estimated $2.5 billion in U.S. dollars.The roasted Kopi Luwak coffee beans sell for roughly $450.00 a pound, and the brewed coffee currently sells for A$50.00 (roughly $41 American dollars) per cup in Australian cafes'.
Why the interest in a coffee that violates a cultural taboo because of its trip through the digestive system of an animal? "Everyone calls it cat poo coffee" says Michelle Sharp owner of an Australian cafe, as quoted by the Australian Associated Press. The great demand for coffee beans harvested from piles of droppings on the forest floor is at first glance surprising. However it is the taste of the resulting coffee that is causing people to overcome the challenge posed by drinking "cat poo coffee", according to Reuters.
According to Tastes of the World, Kopi Luwak coffee differs from other coffee's in numerous ways. Kopi Luwak coffee beans reportedly have less protein and bacteria count; the beans are also pitted and have different compounds, presumably from the digestion process of the civet cat. The digested beans harvested from civet cat feces are also considered to be delicacies because the animals only seek out the finest coffee cherries to consume, according to Tastes of the World.
The finished brew reportedly tastes smoother than other coffee blends and has an earthy, exotic flavor. It is also said to have hints of caramel and chocolate flavors; these flavors are considered results of the digestion process. The coffee's reputation is strong enough to convince roughly 12 people a month to try it at one Australian cafe' despite civet cats links to the SARS respiratory virus.
According to the Australian Associated Press reactions have been 99% favorable with one taster quoted as saying "It's as good as my private life is bad. This is the kind of coffee you renounce your religion and sell your child for." The brews flavor has been quickly endearing it to the Australian public despite the brews taboos, links to disease, and hefty price.
Sources:
Reuters
Taste of the World
More resources
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle...9120070516
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...beans.html
There is a new fad sweeping through Australia. Kopi Luwak coffee which is made from coffee beans excreted by civet cats ranks high amongst the world's most expensive and rare coffees. Its popularity is growing quickly in Australia, where citizens already have been increasing their coffee consumption in the past decade, according to Reuters.
Coffee consumption per person has grown exponentially from 300 grams to 2.4 kilograms since the 1930's. The Australian coffee trade now brings in an estimated $2.5 billion in U.S. dollars.The roasted Kopi Luwak coffee beans sell for roughly $450.00 a pound, and the brewed coffee currently sells for A$50.00 (roughly $41 American dollars) per cup in Australian cafes'.
Why the interest in a coffee that violates a cultural taboo because of its trip through the digestive system of an animal? "Everyone calls it cat poo coffee" says Michelle Sharp owner of an Australian cafe, as quoted by the Australian Associated Press. The great demand for coffee beans harvested from piles of droppings on the forest floor is at first glance surprising. However it is the taste of the resulting coffee that is causing people to overcome the challenge posed by drinking "cat poo coffee", according to Reuters.
According to Tastes of the World, Kopi Luwak coffee differs from other coffee's in numerous ways. Kopi Luwak coffee beans reportedly have less protein and bacteria count; the beans are also pitted and have different compounds, presumably from the digestion process of the civet cat. The digested beans harvested from civet cat feces are also considered to be delicacies because the animals only seek out the finest coffee cherries to consume, according to Tastes of the World.
The finished brew reportedly tastes smoother than other coffee blends and has an earthy, exotic flavor. It is also said to have hints of caramel and chocolate flavors; these flavors are considered results of the digestion process. The coffee's reputation is strong enough to convince roughly 12 people a month to try it at one Australian cafe' despite civet cats links to the SARS respiratory virus.
According to the Australian Associated Press reactions have been 99% favorable with one taster quoted as saying "It's as good as my private life is bad. This is the kind of coffee you renounce your religion and sell your child for." The brews flavor has been quickly endearing it to the Australian public despite the brews taboos, links to disease, and hefty price.
Sources:
Reuters
Taste of the World
More resources
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle...9120070516
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...beans.html
