Image from AnimalCoffee

You might think that image looks like poop.  Well, that's because it is. Luwak poop to be more specific and coffee connoisseurs everywhere are falling over themselves to get it and that of the Jacu Bird.  Why, you ask? Rumor has it, this coffee actually tastes pretty great!  Some even say it's the best coffee in the world. Others are cringing and have to do strenuous research before even thinking about building a bridge to this strange new coffee sensation. I'll let you decide which team you're on but personally, I'm in the research phase.  

The Luwak, officially the Asian Palm Civet, also known as the Lubak or Musang, is an animal native to the southeastern area of Asia. It looks like a cross between a cat and a raccoon and is rumored to have the scent of a skunk. Thirsty yet? Me neither. And so we press on.  The Luwak, as it turns out, has quite the nose for good coffee and chooses only the best ripe Arabica and Robusta berries to feast upon.  As the coffee berry travels through the digestive tract, the skin and pulp of the berry are removed by the acids in the stomach.  In addition to this, the acids work as coffee magicians removing some of the proteins known to cause bitterness, leaving behind a sweeter tasting, highly sought after bean.  What happens next is just natural, the Luwak expels the beans in the form of late-night Taco Bell and the farmers, giddy with glee, harvest the Luwak dung. (i.e. The Luwak poops and the farmers pooper scooper the excrement.)  No need to fret!  The beans are then processed (i.e. cleaned) and bagged for sale.  You may purchase them roasted or raw (if you're a DIY roaster) or even really raw, where you are employed with the task of cleaning the beans yourself, as well as roasting. Similarly, the Jacu Bird, a native of Brazil, feasts on Arabica berries and the process is much the same.  

Ah, decisions, decisions. Bird poop?  Civet crap?  Whichever shall we choose? Well, the price comparison would certainly do the trick for me!  The Kopi Luwak is sold for $180.00 on up to $300.00 per pound. (Merry Christmas! I bought you potable cat poop!) The Jacu Bird variety, while harder to find, can be found for as little as $12.00 per pound. It is also said that because the Jacu Bird exclusively eats Arabica, the higher quality lies within its excreted beans. So, while pondering those last minute holiday gift ideas, consider the coffee connoisseur's latest quest and purchase a bag of the world's most expensive coffee (and perhaps a bottle of tequila to wash it all down).