The truth about Kopi Luwak coffee What is it really?
All our lives we have been sold the idea that the more expensive the better. The truth is, this is just a publicity stunt. Something that the coffee industry has not been able to get rid of. Starting with those overrated coffee brands that claim to offer a quality product, but whose price is through the roof. Being the Kopi Luwak one of them, which to tell the truth is not as they paint it. Because, in addition to dealing a hard blow to the pocket, it resorts to animal abuse for its production.
In case you didn't know, Kopi Luwak grains come from the feces of a small animal. Surprising right? Well, these are civets, an innocent mammal that has lost its freedom and now its habitat is reduced to tiny cages. A situation that has many environmental foundations and several companies in the sector on alert. being Incapto Coffee one of them.
Our article today will focus on the origin, production and state of these defenseless animals. In recent years they have become victims of man and his thirst for financial benefits.
What is Kopi Luwak?
It is a coffee originally from Indonesia. Where Kopi means coffee and Luwak is the name of the civet. Which is a little animal with a long tail, with markings very similar to those of a raccoon. It also has some stripes, while others have small spots on their body.
These little animals are a type of viverrid. Which means that they are carnivorous species similar to cats. We can say that it is a possum mix and they even have a snout similar to that of mongooses.
Civets live in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Its wild variety lives mainly in the tropical jungle. While those found in Indonesia, specifically on the islands of Sumatra or Java. Famous for their coffee, so it is easy enough for them to find raw, ripe fruits from the coffee tree.
Regarding their diet, in addition to consuming coffee berries, they usually feed on insects, small reptiles and fruits such as mango.
Origins
According to the story that almost all of us know. Civet coffee, as it is also called, took its first steps a few centuries ago. Specifically when Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands. The newcomers suggested planting coffee. A benefit from which indigenous farmers were excluded. Because they were prohibited from collecting the fruits for their consumption or personal use.
But it is from that moment on that they decide to take them directly from the ground. Where the civet that was in the wild used to defecate them practically intact after digesting them. Like the intelligent animal that it is, it only fed on the ripe berries. An option that apparently has fit them like a glove.
Over time, the evolution of Kopi Luwak It turned out to be positive. This motivated the locals to protect the little animal, after considering its excrement as miraculous. You will surely wonder why they expel the grains almost intact? This is due to the civet's digestive enzymes. They change the protein structure of coffee. Simply put, it eliminates acidity and provides a much smoother cup.
Other things that also changed was its price. Which rose exponentially and this motivated many inhabitants to create luwak farms. In order to continue offering this type of coffee.
Why do they say it is better?
As we explained above. Civet digestive enzymes change the protein structure of coffee. But what do the experts think? First of all, centuries ago, the little animal when it was free. I only consumed ripe coffee cherries. Something that made some sense, since it resulted in grains at their optimal point of maturation.
Our Arabic Q grader Beatriz Mesas, on two occasions he had close contact with the Kopi Luwak. In addition to checking the deplorable conditions in which these animals are kept. He also confirmed that said drink did not have those spectacular characteristics. The same ones that merchants use to offer coffee.
His second experience took place in a blind tasting. Where he prepared for the Q grader Arabic exam. When giving a verdict, both she and the other participants agreed that it was a drink with many defective grains.
In a few words, the descriptions they make about the Kopi Luwak. It is just a marketing strategy or to put it more directly: Misleading advertising. For example, its manufacturers describe the aromatic profile of the product as that of the jungle. On several occasions they claim that it has earthy, full-bodied or soft notes.
The truth is that civet coffee has green elements, similar to grass. Medium body, with a light touch of chocolate. Absent acidity. There are even those who call it a common drink.
Organoleptic properties
If you are wondering about this point, the answer is: Yes. Kopi Luwak, like all coffee, has organoleptic properties (Aromas, flavor, balance among others). Digestive enzymes reduce the acidity of the drink. And as we have already mentioned in several points, bright and balanced acidity is a highly valued aspect in an exceptional coffee.
But our Arabica Q grader ensures that this process takes away the personality of a good cup of coffee.
Environmentalists reject its production
Unfortunately, civets are the least privileged in the productive development of the Kopi Luwak. Although, said product managed to gain “prestige and exclusivity” within the market. These little animals, apart from losing their freedom, are also forced to consume coffee berries for an entire month. Which are mostly defective. The most worrying thing is that this sudden change in their diet has caused nutritional deficiencies. As well as the loss of his fur.
This alarming case reached the ears of several environmentalists. Those who consider the product that encourages animal abuse. As if that were not enough, the deputy regional director of the NGO Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (Traffic) Southeast Asia, Chris Sheperd, confessed his concern about civet coffee production. As is the high mortality rate of this species.
On the other hand, organizational committees People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) They have had the opportunity to visit several civet farms. Both in the Philippines and Indonesia. Where they managed to buy that the majority are in captivity and sick. At the same time, they showed signs of infections and stereotypies. Because the animals frequently moved their heads and turned in their tiny cages.
A group of scientists from the research unit of the University also joined this cause. Oxford University. Who were in charge of studying the living conditions of 50 wild civets. These defenseless animals are confined in cages in 16 crop fields in Bali. The results of this study were very worrying.
Another discovery is based on the wire floor of the cages where these animals are kept. And standing on these metallic materials can cause ulcers and abrasions. Which means constant pain for this species.
Join responsible consumption
Since Incapto Coffee, we invite our clientele to be responsible consumers. Acquiring products free of animal abuse and contaminants. In the case of Kopi Luwak, it is an extremely expensive coffee, because it aims to be exclusive. But its real quality does not justify its price at all.
We know that it is difficult to know with complete certainty whether this type of coffee has been made with wild or captive animals. Since, until now there is no organization that takes the risk of certifying it. Because the real origin of these grains is not at all simple.
It should be noted that for civets, living under these conditions is torture. If at any time, you travel to Indonesia or the Philippines. Avoid falling into the networks of producers and consuming such a product. Well, this would become an accomplice to animal abuse.
Source
Kopi Luwak: What is hidden behind the mythical civet coffee?
