It is one of the rarest and most unique coffee beans in the world. Although it represents a small percentage of the coffee beans being consumed, Liberica coffee beans are largely overshadowed by the Arabica and Robusta beans.
Even though many coffee drinkers are interested in trying different brews, Liberian coffee is relatively unknown.
Historically, Liberica coffee beans were in danger of extinction. More recently, the beans thrived in the Southeast Asian growing environment and made a comeback.
The article discusses the history of the Miracle Fruit, as well as its aroma, flavor, and brewing tips.
Liberian Coffee Origins
Liberica coffee beans originated in the Republic of Liberia, which is on Africa’s western coast. Most of the fruit-producing plants were grown on the western side of the country, on the Atlantic coast, because the climate there is hot and equatorial.
This coffee plant was most popular during the 1880’s. In Liberia, farmers also grew Robusta beans. 10,000 metric tons of these beans were harvested and dried so that the local population of 3.5 million people could consume them.
The Liberica plant is more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta. The coffee rust outbreak in 1890 was so severe that it destroyed crops all over the world. While the Liberica plants survived, the rust started its global migration.
Coffee Rust
Coffee rust, also known as coffee leaf rust, is a destructive fungus that can quickly ruin an entire coffee crop. It would take decades for the coffee industry to recover. The coffee industry was dealt a major blow in the early 1890s when a fungus wiped out many of the world’s coffee crops. It would take the industry years to recover.
Although the Liberica bean was thought to be destroyed, farmers and merchants began to realize that this was not the case. They started making plans to replant their coffee crops. In order to prevent the coffee trade from collapsing, Liberica coffee was distributed to various parts of the world in the hopes that it could be grown again.
Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia
This is how Liberian coffee became popular in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It was in the Philippines where it shined, however. When the Philippines was being cultivated again, it was a province of the United States. The US took advantage of the coffee trade.
After WWII, the Philippines won its independence from the United States. The U.S. placed harsh restrictions on Liberica coffee exports, effectively halting the progress of the trade.
This made it possible for Malaysia to become one of the world’s leading coffee exporters. Malaysia produces the most Liberica beans, followed by The Philippines, Indonesia, and Libera.
Current Harvest Locations
Although Liberia is no longer one of the top coffee producers in the world, it is still a leading producer of Robusta beans. While Liberian coffee is still popular locally, any that is produced in the area is consumed locally as well.
The Philippines and Malaysia have stepped up to create some changes to the plant.
The Liberian Coffee Plant
Liberica coffee is unique because it is one of the oldest coffee species in the world and it has unique features compared to its more common counterparts. The Liberica plant is significantly bigger and taller than the Arabica or Robusta plant. This coffee plant is one of the tallest in the world, measuring 20 meters in height.
The plant and the cherries are both oversized. The beans of the Liberica coffee plant are much larger than those of Arabica and Robusta plants, and they have an irregular shape.
Flavor
Many people believe that Liberica coffee has a very unique and interesting flavor. It has a bold, woody mouthfeel and a certain kick. The complex notes are both woodsy, smokey, yet sweet. Most experts believe that much of the flavor is actually in the aftertaste.
Many people say that the flavor of the liquid is bold and reminiscent of tobacco, due to its smoky sweetness. It is a coffee variety that only grows in the Phillippines and is beloved by the locals. Many Philippine harvesters call it the “Kape Barako.” This roughly translates to “Manly Coffee.” It is a coffee variety that only grows in the Phillippines and is beloved by the locals.
Liberica beans have a less bitter flavor than both Robusta and Arabica beans. Additionally, Liberica doesn’t have as much caffeine. Liberica coffee beans contain only 1.23 grams of caffeine per 100 grams, which is similar to the amount of caffeine found in tea.
Aroma
The aroma of this coffee is very different from its flavor. Instead of a bold, earthy flavor, it has a light floral aroma. Some enthusiasts even describe it as a fruity scent. This is pre-bloom, however.
Liberica coffee beans give off a delicate chocolate-like aroma when they are brewed. You will gradually start to notice nutty and woody notes, which will be present in the taste as well. Many people feel that the unique taste of this coffee is something that needs to be acquired.
New Varieties of Liberica
After the Philippines won their independence from the United States, the coffee bean market became increasingly difficult to sustain. The damage had been done even though the restrictions were lifted during the 1950s. Liberica coffee was in the minority.
That was only the beginning, however. In order for Liberica coffee beans to grow properly, they need specific amounts of elevation, temperature, and humidity. The size of the area where a particular plant or animal is found has been greatly reduced due to climate change and deforestation.
In other words, even though production is lower, all four countries still produce Liberica coffee. Most of the harvest is kept for local consumption. The coffee beans are kept from becoming extinct and also remain rare.
==> More information about Lyberican Coffee History
Hybridized Coffee
Liberica is particularly difficult to harvest and cultivate. So. many farmers participated in creating hybrid versions of the Liberican beans that are easier to deal with.
Unfortunately the “new” beans do not have the same characteristics as the original Liberica bean. The plants and beans are smaller than usual and their flavor is different. At the same time, the “new” Liberica coffee is less resistant to coffee rust than original Liberican plants. Farms growing these beans (as well as wild coffee plants) have both been affected by coffee rust.
The Liberian Government
Thankfully, along with other countries, the Liberian Government took steps to preserve the original Liberica plant. While the original plants have been preserved, they are scarce.
How to Brew Liberian Coffee “Kapeng Barako”
Since the original version of this drink is so rare, it’s no surprise that it’s such a treat to have.
If you want to try Liberica coffee, there are a few ways to enjoy the brew. Called Kapeng Barako, in the Philippines, it is traditionally made by “seeping” the grinds in boiling water. Brown sugar or muscovado is also added to enhance the bold flavors.
Equipment
Small saucepan or kettle
Ingredients
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of ground Liberica coffee
2 teaspoons of sugar brown sugar or muscovado is recommended
Instructions
- Start by bringing the two cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat immediately.
- Add sweetener of choice to the water. Stir until it completely dissolves.
- Add the coffee, cover, and turn off the heat.
- Let sit for five to ten minutes while the coffee brews.
- Strain coffee into a cup to remove coffee grounds. Enjoy.
Notes
The ratio of coffee: water: sugar remains the same regardless of how you decide to brew the coffee. For example, you can easily use a drip coffee maker or a french press by using the same amounts of coffee, water, and sugar.
Other Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica (Coffea Arabica)
Sub-species of Arabica:
There are many different sub-species of Arabica that are called varieties. These include:
Bourbon,
Cattura, and
Typica, for example.
The Kona district in Hawaii is known for its coffee beans, which are a popular type of Arabica bean. They are grown on the slopes of the mountains in the area. Kona coffee beans are famous for their excellent taste, flavor, and aroma. Our buying guide on Kona coffee beans offers advice on what to look for when purchasing Kona coffee beans. Our guide provides the best advice on where to buy Kona coffee beans.
Caffeine content:
Arabica has less caffeine content than its three counterparts Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa, which is 1.61 g/100 g and
Taste
High-quality coffee brands typically advertise that they use 100% Arabica beans. Why? The reason Arabica coffee beans are so highly-regarded is because they are of excellent quality. Their coffee is smooth with a complex taste and satisfying acidity. It has multi-layered flavors and aromas, and is clear and not bitter. These coffee beans have less caffeine than the others.
Where do you find it?
The best type of coffee to use when brewing at home is Arabica coffee. There are a lot of these beans on the market, but be careful of imitations. You want to make sure the label says it only contains Arabica beans, not Robusta beans.
If you want to avoid deception, you should buy full coffee beans, not just the powder. Because such cheating is less likely. Higher quality Arabica beans have a bright body, not completely round but oval.
Robusta (Coffea Canephora)
Caffeine content
Robusta coffee beans have more than twice the amount of caffeine than Arabica beans. Arabica beans have 2.26 grams of caffeine per 100 grams.
Taste
Robusta coffee is not very popular, except in cultures where strong coffee is the norm. Mint is known for its strong, often harsh flavor. Many people describe the taste and smell of asafoetida as being similar to that of a strong, flat, and bitter odor with a burning taste. Robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than Arabic beans.
A Robusta that is high quality will not have its flavor changed when milk or sugar is added, so this coffee is optimal for those who enjoy both cream and sugar in their coffee.
The Robusta beans have less oil than the Arabic beans, which is why they have a harsher and more bitter taste. This is why the Robusta beans are used in coffee drinks like espresso.
Robusta beans with a smooth texture, low acidity, and chocolatey flavors are considered to be of higher quality.
Where can you get Robusta beans?
Robusta beans are larger and more rounded than other types of coffee beans. You can find them easily because they are common in the market. Some rosters offer special Robusta blends.
Excelsa
History
Who knew the unknown type of coffee Excelsa? These brown beans can be considered largely rare. This coffee is only for those who know and love coffee. This text is discussing the history of commercial cultivation and export of a product. It notes that the product has been in existence for centuries, but that its commercial cultivation and export only began in 1904.Excelsa is a plant that is native to the area around Lake Chad, which is a body of water located on the border of Chad, Nigeria, and Niger in Africa. The plant can also be found in Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Java (Indonesia).
Similarity
The beans are similar to Robusta coffee, but when Excelsa was investigated in more detail, experts realized it is probably a subspecies of Liberica coffee.The amazing thing about Excelsa is that, even though it is a subspecies of Liberica, it resembles Robusta in shape. It has double the caffeine content of its competitors and tastes the most distinct.
Taste
Excelsa’s taste is controversial. The coffee plant called Liberica Robusta is grown mostly for the purpose of blending with other coffee plants to enhance the flavor. The cultivars of this plant are less bitter than pure Liberica Robusta, making it a popular choice among coffee drinkers.It tastes tart and fruity with light rosy notes, and it’s mysteriously dark. This drink has a heavy, acquired taste that can be felt in the middle and back of the throat.People who have tried Excelsa coffee report that it has a strong taste, with a burning sensation on the back of the palate that is reminiscent of wood smoke. I would recommend trying Excelsa coffee with cream or caramel, as you may enjoy the taste more.Some people might find the strong back palate taste of Excelsa coffee too much to handle.
If you’re a fan of coffee, you’ll love Excelsa coffee. The coffee’s taste is described as very strong and having a distinctive aroma, with a flavor that is both light and fruity, as well as dark and roasted. Although this is a fact, not everyone will be convinced of its quality and it might not be as attractive to them.
Final Thoughts
Liberica coffee is a type of coffee that is not commonly found. It has a long history and is considered to be a rare treat by many coffee enthusiasts. This coffee is not like the others, it has a bolder taste that makes it a favorite. It is an unusual coffee experience.
The best way to learn about coffee beans is to brew and drink it yourself. Try experimenting with different types of coffee beans in your home kitchen.
Leave a Reply