Civet coffee made using bacteria collected from the feces of the catlike carnivore is the latest research success notched up by a team from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in southern Taiwan.
Harvested from fecal samples of more than 30 civets during field trips by the NPUST team to Indonesia beginning in 2008, the 136 bacteria were analyzed to identify 16 capable of producing conditions similar to those found in the animal’s stomach and intestines.
The bacteria was then mixed with Sumatra Mandheling coffee berries—the main diet of the civets—in a fermenting machine to produce a biochemical version of civet coffee. The result was a brew containing 11 more aromas than Mother Nature’s version, including caramel, passion fruit and a floral aftertaste.
Team leader Hsieh Pao-chuan, a professor at NPUST’s Department of Food Science, said coffee consumption is steadily rising in Taiwan, with an increasing number of devotees seeking premium products like civet. “Our development will make the highly coveted beverage more affordable and accessible to the public.”
The drink is traditionally made using the seeds of coffee berries defecated by Asian palm civets. Given the unusual nature of their production and scarce supply, beans can sell up to NT$15,000 (US$482) per pound.
“In comparison, our version retails at NT$4,000 and is significantly more animal friendly and hygienic,” Hsieh said, adding that with only 36 milligrams of caffeine per 100 milliliters, it is also a healthier option.
With a growing number of local firms expressing interest in the coffee’s production technology, Hsieh is bullish on its prospects for commercialization. “The technology is sound and there is every chance more consumers will soon get to experience the taste sensation of our civet coffee,” he said. (SFC-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw