Of all the known coffee bean varieties, one stands out among the rarest and most sought-after by many coffee lovers. We're talking about Liberica coffee beans, which have their own unique flavor profile, aroma, and history.
Liberica has become something of an enigma thanks to its rarity. Today at The Coffee Shop , we'll explore this rare coffee bean, analyzing its origins, its flavor profile, and what makes it so different from the rest.
A species of coffee plant ( Coffea Liberica ) that ranks third in importance among commercially produced coffees behind Arabica (Coffea arabica, including Heirloom varietal Bourbon coffee and Typica coffee) and Robusta (Coffea canephora var. Robusta), but more than Excelsa.
Liberica coffee trees grow up to 18 meters tall and have large leaves with a leathery surface, as well as large seeds (coffee beans).
Taller trees make harvesting coffee cherries difficult, as specialized equipment (machinery) is required or workers must spend more time setting up ladders to reach the taller beans.
The benefit of this is that Liberica coffee trees have a deeper root system, which means they are more robust and can access water at greater depths than other varieties. Therefore, they can be grown in harsher climates and even in soils that might not be suitable for other trees (clay, peat).
Globally, Liberica accounts for only about 1% of all coffee grown. It represents an important source of diversity, especially given the concerns surrounding climate change and the looming threat of long-term extinction of Arabica.
What is the caffeine content of Libérica coffee?
Liberica 's caffeine content is flavorful but lower than ground caffeine levels. With Robusta being the most caffeinated and Arabica a close second, Liberica seems to lag behind.
Compared to the other two, Liberica is actually slightly lower in caffeine content, though its strong flavor can be deceptive. So, if you're looking for more energizing beans, look for some of the famous robusta beans from Maritime Southeast Asia.
But the rarity and novelty of Liberica are appealing enough that many actually forget about the caffeine levels and decide to try this bean for the first time.
What does Libérica coffee taste like?
Although Liberica has a lower caffeine content than Arabica and Robusta, it makes up for it with its strong flavor and aroma. It offers a very different experience than the two main types of coffee , with an aroma described as nutty and smoky, with hints of dark chocolate during brewing.
It has a strong flavor, emphasizing bolder, earthier flavors, giving a cup a much heavier note. Some would even describe it as liquid tobacco, because the strong smoky flavor and smell it produces is similar to the actual tobacco plant. People in the Philippines, where it is most widely grown, even call the coffee "Kape Barako," which loosely translates to "manly coffee."
Liberica 's flavor actually comes more from its aftertaste than its actual initial taste. It's less bitter than Arabica or Robusta, but the aftertaste is much stronger.
If someone finds Arabica or Robusta too bitter, Liberica is a good alternative. Needless to say, the Liberica flavor is an acquired taste, and while it's not for everyone, those who find it appealing tend to get hooked and make it their bean of choice.
Price of Libérica coffee
Surely such a rare bean would have a high price, right? One might think so, but not as much as it seems: a bag of Liberica beans can cost between $8 and $16 USD. But this doesn't include the cost of shipping and handling, as they must be ordered from Malaysia, the Philippines, or Indonesia.
Growing regions of Liberica
The three main Liberia -producing countries are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Each of them has specific regions where these giant beans are produced:
- In Indonesia, the provinces of Riau and Jambi produce Liberica .
- In the Philippines, the provinces of Batangas and Cavite produce the beans, which are known as “Kapeng Barako.”
- And in Malaysia, Johor is the main producing region of these grains.
Liberica beans are certainly remarkable. They're large, bold-flavored, and even came to save the day when the Arabica plant was on its last legs. Today, Liberica beans are rare and hard to come by, but if you have the chance to enjoy these magnificent beans, don't pass them up.