Coffee made from poop, or more specifically civet coffee, is a fascinating and unusual process in the world of coffee production. The coffee beans in this specialty brew pass through the digestive system of an animal, usually a civet (a small, cat-like mammal), before they are collected, cleaned, and roasted. The beans are eaten by the animal and then excreted, often leading to a cup of coffee that’s considered one of the rarest and most expensive in the world.

Here’s everything you need to know about this peculiar coffee:

1. What is Civet Coffee?

  • Civet coffee, also known as kopi luwak (named after the Indonesian word for civet, luwak), is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and excreted by a civet. These beans undergo a fermentation process in the animal’s digestive tract, which some believe enhances the flavor profile of the coffee.

2. The Process:

  • Step 1: The Bean Consumption
    Civets consume the coffee cherries (the fruit surrounding the beans) off coffee plants. The beans inside the cherries are not digested by the animal, so they pass through the digestive system largely intact.

  • Step 2: Fermentation
    As the beans pass through the civet’s stomach, enzymes in the animal’s digestive system are believed to ferment the beans. This fermentation process is thought to break down certain compounds that can cause bitterness in regular coffee, which may result in a smoother, milder cup of coffee.

  • Step 3: Collection
    After being excreted, the beans are collected from the animal’s waste. The beans are then washed thoroughly to remove any remaining impurities, including residual fecal matter.

  • Step 4: Roasting
    After washing and drying, the beans are roasted, ground, and brewed like any other coffee. The final product is said to have a unique flavor profile, with many describing it as smoother and less acidic than traditional coffee.

3. Flavor Characteristics

  • The unique fermentation process in the civet’s digestive system affects the flavor of the beans. Many people who have tasted civet coffee describe it as having a mellow, less acidic taste with notes of chocolate, caramel, or fruit. The beans are often richer and more complex than typical coffee, with a smooth finish and low bitterness.

4. High Price Tag

  • Civet coffee is considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world, sometimes costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound. This high cost is due to the rarity of the beans, the labor-intensive process of collecting and cleaning them, and the perceived enhancement of the coffee’s flavor through fermentation.

5. Ethical Concerns

  • The production of civet coffee has raised significant ethical concerns. In many cases, civets are kept in captivity in poor conditions and force-fed coffee cherries in order to produce the coffee. This practice has led to widespread criticism from animal rights groups, who argue that it is cruel and inhumane.
  • Wild civets should not be used for commercial coffee production, as it disrupts their natural behaviors. To ensure ethical sourcing, some producers are focusing on wild civet coffee, where civets are allowed to roam freely and eat coffee cherries naturally, although this is harder to regulate and is often more expensive.

6. Other Animal Poop Coffees

  • Black Ivory Coffee: A similar coffee process involves elephants. In Thailand, elephants are fed coffee cherries, and the beans are collected from their dung. Like civet coffee, the beans undergo fermentation in the animal’s digestive system, which is believed to change the flavor profile, resulting in a smooth, less acidic cup of coffee.
  • Jacu Coffee: In Brazil, the Jacu bird consumes coffee cherries, and its excreted beans are collected in a similar manner to civet coffee.

7. Alternative: Kopi Luwak without the Poop

  • With growing awareness about the ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare in the production of civet coffee, some companies have sought to replicate the flavor profile of kopi luwak without the use of animals. These alternative versions typically involve controlled fermentation processes, where the beans are processed in a way that mimics the effects of digestion but without any involvement of animals.

8. Health Considerations

  • Despite its exotic appeal, there are concerns regarding the hygiene of coffee beans processed through the digestive system of animals. However, after thorough washing, roasting, and processing, the coffee beans are considered safe to drink. The roasting process kills any harmful bacteria that might be present.

9. Environmental Impact

  • The environmental impact of producing coffee using animals is a growing issue, as the farming of civets for commercial coffee production often leads to habitat destruction and poor conditions for the animals involved.

In conclusion, coffee made from animal poop, particularly civet coffee, is a fascinating example of how animal behavior has been harnessed for human consumption. While the coffee’s unique flavor has earned it a dedicated following, it’s important to consider the ethical and environmental implications of its production.

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