Luwak coffee or civet coffee - East Java
Around 80 animals luwak - better known as civet - are kept at the plantations at the Ijen Plateau. They are responsible for the production of luwak coffee. Coffee luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world.
The coffee beans are eaten by the animal luwak. The meat of the bean is digested, but the pit remains intact and passes through the gastrointestinal tract. The fermentation in the animal gives this coffee its beloved and exquisite taste. The pits are found in the defecation of the civet. The pits are collected and washed. To preserve the flavor as much as possible, the seeds usually are lightly roasted.
At the Ijen Plateau some civets are held in captivity. A worldwide discussion is going on about the living conditions of this animal. Nowadays it is also possible to get luwak coffee that exclusively is produced from beans found in the wild.