Do you like a heaping dose of status with your morning coffee? Never fear! Kopi Luwak coffee averages around $300-$500 per pound and up to $100 per cup! Why do these coffee beans carry such a hefty price tag? Besides being imported from Indonesia, Kopi Luwak isn't exactly easy to cultivate-the beans aren't just plucked-they're first swallowed and then excreted by an adorable jungle mammal called a civet. Let me repeat that in layman's terms. Kopi Luwak comes from animal poop, and there is a crap-ton of demand for it worldwide.
What Does Kopi Luwak Taste Like?
The beverage has been described as delicious, with low bitterness and a healthy hint of chocolate within its bouquet. Other words that have been used to describe Kopi Luwak coffee include musty and nutty. Yes, musty.
The Benefits of Drinking Kopi Coffee
Besides putting pep in your step, evidence also suggests that it helps migraines without upsetting sufferers' tummies. The key is the low acidity that allows greater consumption of caffeine while not triggering heartburn. Caffeine narrows blood vessels, restricting blood flow and thus relieving migraine pain.
Is There A Cheaper Kopi Luwak?
Lower-priced options include farm-raised options, but civet "farmers" have caught a lot of criticism because of the inhumane treatment they inflict on these tiny mammals. If you are worried about cute-animal karma coming back to bite you in the butt, we would suggest that you stick to products using free-range collection processes.
What To Consider When Buying Kopi Luwak
If pre-chewed brew sounds like your cup of tea, here are a few things to remember:
Prices can fluctuate. Due to high demand and low supply, a cup can cost $100 and can cost as much as $1800!
Look for a label that reads, "Certified Wild Kopi Luwak." This ensures it wasn't harvested through farming, and you get the highest quality coffee with the lowest cruelty factor.
Finally, since the coffee is smoother and less acidic than other blends, it can lead to overconsumption. While it goes down easy, it still contains significant amounts of caffeine, which can lead to jitters, nausea, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. Not to mention that the post-joe crash can poop a person out.
