Kopi Luak

Kopi is the Indonesian word for coffee, and Luak is the local name of the Asian Palm Civet Cat (paradoxurus hermaphroditus), also known as Toddy Cat, is a nocturnal omnivore found in Southeast Asia and China.

Kopi Luak or Civet Coffee is made from coffee berries which have bean eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet. The civet digests the soft outer part of the coffee cherry but does not digest the inner beans, these undigested beans are picked from its drippings, cleaned, washed, dried and made into coffee. The theory is that the enzymes in the civet's stomach do things to give them great flavor.

The resulting coffee is said to be like no other. It has a rich, heavy flavor with the hints of caramel or chocolate. Other terms used to describe are earthy, mushy and exotic. The body is almost syrupy and it is very smooth. 

It is the most expensive coffee in the world, selling US $50 per cup, and almost US $600 per pound.

Arabica and Robusta

Arabica Coffee, also known as "Coffee Shrub of Arabia" represents 75% of the world's coffee production. It is generally grown on high plains at altitudes above 4,000 feet. Robusta, a lower quality bean, grows at lower altitudes, ranging from sea level to 4,000 feet.

The Arabica bush takes approximately five years to mature and is harvested at most two times per year. The Robusta bush on the other hand reaches maturity in approximately two years and is harvested up to four times per year. The Robusta is more resilient, bears more cherries, is more resistant to disease and has higher yield. For those reasons, the Robusta is more commonly used and is the cheapest coffee.

Coffee Making Tips II

How to Evaluate the Quality of Coffee Beans

• Color
• Appearance
• Aroma
• Flavor/ Taste
• Freshness
• Type of Grind

Methods Used in Evaluating the Quality of Coffee

• Use of visual and other sensory means including smelling and tasting coffee
• Customer Feedback
• Consistency of Product

What Makes a Good Coffee

• Water - filtered, measured, calibrated
• Coffee Beans - freshly gound
• Espresso Machine - Clean and in good condition
• Dose/ Grind - 7 grams per shot; sand like texture
• Barista - must be confident, consistent and accurate

Common Types of Coffee Bean

Common Types of Coffee Bean

                                        Arabica                                              Robusta

                        Grows and thrives at high altitudes.         The sole pieces of quality beans, which 

                      Its beans mature slowly and have time      has the ability to grow at lower altitudes

                       to develop body and density.                    and is cheaper to produce.

                   

                       This species produces superior quality.     Robusta tree are easier to grow,

                                                                                    produces higher yields.

                      Its shape is more oblong and has a       This bean is rounder in shape with

                       curving cleft down its middle.               a straight cleft down its middle.

                     Coffees which possess the greatest      Robusta usually possess a woody,

                      flavor and aromatic characteristics.      astringent flavor.

                      Has low caffeine content.                    Has higher caffeine content.    

                                                                             They are used when a lower price 

                                                                               or additional caffeine is desired.

C3: Counter Culture Cafe

"A Flavor Experience"