Kopi Luwak is Okay as Long as It is Washed, says Islamic Council
On July 20, 2010 the top Islamic authority in Indonesia - the Indonesia Ulema Council - declared that it is okay for Muslims to drink Civet Coffee, often referred to by the Indonesian term Kopi Luwak, which is coffee brewed from coffee beans that have been eaten and partly digested by the Asian Palm Civet, then expelled by the animal and gathered up by the coffee farmers, rinsed, dried, roasted, and brewed.
Often referred to as the world’s most expensive coffee, Civet coffee beans sell for a high price in an increasing worldwide market. After a plenary meeting and a long debate about the issue the Islamic authority decided not to publish a fatwa banning the consumption of Civet coffee by Muslims.
Maruf Amien, who was serving as acting head of the council, said that Kopi Luwak may be declared “halal” as long as it is washed, and also that producing, selling, and drinking the coffee was permitted. “It is not prohibited as long as the coffee beans are passed under water to remove traces of the excrement,” said Amien.
One of the endearing qualities of Civet coffee is that it has a natural lack of bitterness and thus only requires a very light roasting (roasting lessens a coffee bean’s natural bitterness). Since it is only light roasted the Civet coffee’s natural flavors are able to shine through without being masked by the roasting flavors.
Indonesia is the the populous Muslim nation in the world so the declaration by the Indonesia Ulema Council approving the consumption of Civet coffee is a significant decree, especially since Indonesia is where most Civet coffee is produced (in Sulawesi Coffee, Sumatra and Java) and where its consumption is the most widespread.
In many other parts of the word, such as the United States, the popularity of Civet coffee is just taking hold. Devout Muslims may now feel free to enjoy this unique gourmet coffee produced from coffee beans gathered from the dung of the small Civet mammal.
Kona Civet Coffee?
Perhaps with the growing popularity of Civet coffee, including its mention in the widely seen movie Bucket List, someone will decide to have some Civet pets in the Kona region and allow them to feast on the delicious Kona coffee beans so we can enjoy some Kona Civet coffee.
For a bit of Civet coffee humor see Adventures of a Civet Coffee Hunter and Top Ten Reasons To Drink Animal-Processed Coffee!
To brew an amazing, hearty and aromatic shot of espresso see Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot and Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos, then check out the detailed instructions in our Espresso Drink Recipes.
To brew the perfect cup of coffee see our section on Brewing Civet Coffee. Coffee connoisseurs wanting definitions for highly technical coffee terminology will love the Coffee and Espresso Glossary. For a detailed history of the revered bean see the World’s Best History of Coffee.