Coffee enthusiasts are always on the lookout for something unique. Among the rarest and priciest is Kopi Luwak, a coffee with a fascinating story and an unusual method of production.
Kopi Luwak is made
from beans that pass through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet, a small mammal found in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Locally, it is called ‘Luwak’. This animal only eats fully ripe, high-quality coffee cherries, acting as a natural quality checker and ignoring any unripe or inferior cherries.
The Unique Process
Once the civet eats the cherries, the pulp is digested while the beans remain intact. Enzymes in the civet’s stomach trigger a special fermentation process in the beans, reducing bitterness and enhancing the coffee’s smoothness and richness.
After digestion, the beans are excreted, carefully collected, cleaned thoroughly, sun-dried, and roasted. Despite the unusual process, the coffee is completely hygienic and safe to drink.
Why Kopi Luwak Is So Expensive
The rarity and labour-intensive collection make Kopi Luwak extremely costly. Only a small amount of usable beans is produced, limiting supply.
On the international market, the coffee costs around Rs 60,000-Rs 70,000 per kilogram, and a single cup in luxury cafes or five-star hotels abroad can sell for Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000.
