Although the idea of consuming a drink prepared with animal poop seems disgusting, two of the most expensive coffees in the world are produced from beans eaten by elephants and civets: this is the case of Black Ivory, sold for around 2,700 euros per kilo, and Kopi Luwak, which costs on average between 500 and 900 euros but can cost up to 1,300 euros per kilo. This second type of coffee, obtained from the beans defecated by the civet cat (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), a raccoon-like mammal found in Southeast Asia, was the subject of a study published in Scientific Reportswho tried to understand what makes its flavor so unique and particular.
Animal welfare. In addition to scientific curiosity, what pushed researchers to understand what makes the flavor of Kopi Luwak unique is the possibility of reproducing it artificially to preserve the well-being of the animals, often kept in small cages and forced to eat coffee berries. “By knowing the enzymes involved in digestion and fermentation, we may be able to artificially produce civet coffee, leaving the animals alone,” explains Palatty Allesh Sinu, one of the authors.
Goat flavour. The experts compared 68 samples of berries defecated by the civet with berries collected directly from the plant: the analysis highlighted a greater concentration of two fatty acids in the defecated berries – caprylic acid and capric acid, both known for their typical goat taste. This characteristic is probably due to the action of intestinal bacteria Gluconobacter and their enzymes.
A complex aroma. According to Melanie-Jayne Howes, a biochemistry expert at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (London), these fatty acids only partially explain the aroma of Kopi Luwak; further studies and analyzes could better clarify the role of the other compounds and the variables involved. THEThe same team notes that the tendency of wild civets to select the largest and ripest berries could also contribute to the flavor of the final product.
