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$600 Coffee 'Processed' by Civets

Java-lovers' treat plucked from droppings of animals who gorge on beans

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 13, 2007 5:49 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Move over, Starbucks. Hyper coffee connoisseurs are coughing up $600 for a pound of the world's priciest coffee, a blend plucked from the droppings of a civet, a small Indonesian mammal that forages for fresh coffee beans. Fans describe the taste of kopi luwak as earthy, with a note of rich, dark chocolate, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Only 500 to 1,000 pounds of genuine kopi luwak are produced each year, fueling the exorbitant cost. The British royal family reportedly enjoys it, and coffee lovers can buy a $30 cup at a 5-star hotel in Hong Kong. But beware counterfeit beans. About 40% of the coffee on sale is either adulterated or fake, one expert warns.

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Photos of the civet and their valuable droppings
Los Angeles Times

 
Indonesia • coffee • Hong Kong • kopi luwak • delicacy • drinks • beverages • civet • chocolate

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