World's Most Expensive Coffee: Kopi Luwak from Indonesian Palm Civet

  • Thread starter Thread starter RAD4921
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Strange
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unique and expensive coffee known as Kopi Luwak, which is produced from beans that have passed through the digestive system of the palm civet, an animal found in Indonesia. Participants explore the origins, production process, and cultural perceptions of this coffee, as well as comparisons to other unusual coffee sources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Kopi Luwak is made from beans processed by the palm civet, which is often mistaken for a monkey.
  • There is mention of the high price of Kopi Luwak, with one participant stating it costs around $300.00 per pound.
  • Several participants reference a similar coffee made from Cambodian weasel vomit, suggesting it is also expensive and unusual.
  • Questions are raised about the motivations behind trying such unconventional coffee sources, with participants speculating on the origins of these practices.
  • Humorous remarks are made regarding the lengths one might go to for coffee, including the idea of consuming coffee made from animal byproducts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity and humor regarding the origins of Kopi Luwak and similar coffees, but there is no consensus on the motivations for trying these products or their desirability.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference anecdotal experiences and media portrayals, which may influence their views but do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

RAD4921
Messages
346
Reaction score
1
The World's Most Expensive Coffee is From Beans Cycled Through an Indonesian Monkey's Digestive System-Truth!



Summary of eRumor:
Kopi Luwak is a rare and gourmet coffee from Indonesia that is made from beans passed through the digestive system of monkeys.


The Truth:
Kopi Luwak does exist, is very expensive, and is made from coffee beans passed through the digestive system of an Indonesian animal, but it's more like a cat than a monkey. According to a feature article by the Manila Coffee House, which sells the stuff, the people who harvest the digested beans don't really have to pick through cat litter to get it. The animal processes the beans and excretes them whole, unscratched, and without dung.

The animal is a palm civet, a dark brown tree-dwelling cat-like creature found throughout Southeast Asia. The scientific name is paradoxurus hermaphroditus.

According to the Manila Coffee House, the palm civet just happens to like to ingest the ripest and reddest coffee beans, which also happen to be the ones best for brewing. The cat eats the outer covering of the beans in the same way that is accomplished by de-pulping machines. Something happens to the beans in the journey through the cat's intestines that gives it a flavor that is celebrated by coffee drinkers.

At this point, most of the beans are purchased by Japanese buyers

Just in case you were wondering this "gourmet" coffee cost $300.00 a pound. Who says the wealthy have class?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Yes, saw this on TV, once.
 
If I recall correctly, Stephen Fry presented Charles and Camilla with beans made from Cambodian weasel vomit as a wedding gift - this is also quite pricey, I imagine.
 
How desperate for a coffee was someone who discovered this. I remember Fry saying something like the weasel vomit coffee beans on QI Gokul and he insisted they were expensive.
 
Once again one has to wonder: Who first tried this, and why? Did someone see a weasel vomit up coffee beans and think to himself, mmmmmmmm, those look tasty; and I bet they would make a great cup of brew?
 
Last edited:
Ivan Seeking said:
Once again one has to wonder: Who first tried this, and why?

If that darn cat just ate the last of your coffee beans, and you really need that caffeine fix, you just might consider it! :smile:
 
Coffee, weasel vomit, same difference.
 
Kurdt said:
I remember Fry saying something like the weasel vomit coffee beans on QI Gokul and he insisted they were expensive.
That's where I heard it too!

C'mon Ivan...if your pet weasel (or skunk) threw up into a pot of hot water...wouldn't you, you know...assuming there's no one watching?