‘Fermented in the gut’: scientists uncover clues about kopi luwak coffee’s unique taste

Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee is produced from beans that have passed through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet. Photograph: Catherine Brown/Alamy

It is a coffee beloved by Hollywood and influencers – now researchers say they have found an ingredient that could help explain the unique flavour of kopi luwak.

Also known as civet coffee, kopi luwak is produced from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet. The resulting product is not only rare, but very expensive – costing about £130 for 500g.