Think about a cup of coffee that has its specific flavor and differs from other beloved types of coffee in the world. That is Liberica coffee beans, a hidden gem in the world of coffee. While Arabica and Robusta are the most famous beans, Liberica is different and still tastes unique. This coffee tastes distinctly smoky-fruity and will be appreciated by those searching for an exotic experience.
One unique thing about Liberia is that it is relatively rare coffee bean. Liberica coffee accounts for a minuscule 1.5% of the total global production. Taste is not only about preference; findings have shown that Liberica is grown mainly in biodiverse forests, giving it its peculiar taste and smell. Research also indicates that this coffee contains antioxidants essential in decreasing the chances of chronic diseases.
This blog will detail information about Liberica coffee, including its taste, quality, and possible consumer benefits. If you are a curious drinker who wants to try something new, coffee, you should not let Liberica go. Let’s start our exploration!
What are Liberica Coffee Beans?
Liberica coffee beans are unique and exotic coffee beans with specific features that set them apart. Unlike Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, Liberica varieties are much bigger and have irregular, almost tear-like shapes. They offer a high and intense coffee flavor with a smoky, woody, and slightly nutty taste distinctly different from the other types of coffee.
This coffee is characterized by its aroma, which is probably the first thing that strikes guests when entering the café. The beans have a floral, fruity fragrance that resembles jackfruit’s smell, an exciting touch that trumps your coffee. Due to this profile, Liberica is appreciated by people searching for something new and want to enjoy their coffee while experiencing a leap into the extraordinary.
Regarding the cultivation of the Liberica variety, the most suitable locations are those in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, regardless of the limited production attributed to manufacturing in less than one percent of car plants worldwide. As the fifth-generation coffee, Liberica has lovers eager to appreciate this precious beverage’s unique and potent flavor.
History of Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica coffee beans originated in Liberia in West Africa; because of this, they are known by this name. In the early 1890s, Arabica cultivation was almost wiped off by a fungal disease called rust that affected coffee. This disease led to the Arabica plant wilting and halting its bean production; farmers required a solution for coffee plants.
As a result, European colonists introduced Liberica to other Asian areas such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more. It was another tree that naturally resisted this disease, and thus, libérica soon became popular in these areas. Farmers of the Philippines and Malaysians found its natural taste and versatility the best replacement, so the Liberica became popular and was planted widely. Further, Liberica now constitutes more than 70% of the coffee production in the Philippines and within the 80-90% range in Malaysia.
While Liberica did not wholly escape from coffee rust and suffered losses, its ability to resist infection was higher than other coffee bean varieties. Producing Liberica continued, and Liberica is still contributing significantly to the history and evolution of coffee in Southeast Asia. Today, Liberica is enjoyed for its cup quality parameters and history and could be savored as a cup of heritage coffee that survived the test of time.
Liberica vs. Arabica and Robusta: Key Differences
Below are seven significant differences among the top three types of coffee.
Plant Size and Appearance
Liberica coffee trees are especially erect, reaching up to 6 meters in height, compared to Arabica and Robusta, which range only from 3-5 meters in height. The beans are more extensive and oval, resembling a teardrop shape instead of a round shape, making Liberica different in appearance.
Caffeine
Liberica contains even lesser amounts of caffeine than the other two varieties, Robusta and Arabica. Robusta includes the maximum amount of caffeine, so it is bitter and more pungent than Arabica, which has a moderate amount. Liberica has somewhat less caffeine content, which makes it a weaker coffee.
Flavor Profile
Liberica coffee has a rich, yet different, taste with sweet, fruity, and floral undertone flavors and smoked and woody accents. The beans from Arabica trees are sweet and have layered and subtle tastes of fruit and chocolate, whereas the Robusta beans have a much more robust taste and are bitter than Arabica. Liberica is one of the varieties characterized by a rich color, which makes the fruit different from the standard varieties.
Growing Conditions
Liberica is tough and grows well in conditions that would force Arabica plants to give in, such as diseases and pests. The absence of root structure and more comprehensive leaf formation enable it to grow well in Southeast Asia’s warmer climates and lowland areas. Production of Arabica requires more specific temperature and humidity conditions, and the plants are more susceptible to diseases.
Cost and Market Availability
All three types are common, but Robusta is the most affordable and popular type of coffee, with Arabica being the second most popular. It is the most expensive since it is a relatively rare coffee bean and only produced in small quantities. It is popular due to its taste and is favored in specialty foods and drinks such as coffee.
Best Brewing Methods
This variety is generally flavorful and is best served in espresso and dark roasted types to maintain its uniqueness. Arabica beans are versatile and can be applied for diverse roasting and blending, whereas Robusta beans are better for blending and can be applied to instant and blended coffee types.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Liberica has always been a substantial variety in coffee culture in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, which they call ‘Barako’ and is consumed daily. Arabica and Robusta have a rich history and are widely used, but Liberica’s unique story makes it more appealing to coffee enthusiasts.
Why Isn’t Liberica Coffee as Popular as Arabica and Robusta?
Liberica coffee isn’t as famous as Arabica and Robusta for several reasons. It constitutes below 1% of the global coffee production, with specific Southeast Asian regions being dominant producers. This limited production makes Liberica coffee more expensive than specialty Arabica, which costs nearly double the estimated price.
Its taste is distinctive, but not everyone would find it appealing. Liberica has smoky, woody, and fruity flavors, which are desirable to some consumers while considered less quality than Arabica or possessing a more robust taste than Robusta.
Liberica also has practically less caffeine content than Arabica, at around 1. 23 gms/100 gms of beans, and that of Arabica is 1. 61 grams. However, it may not be ideal for consumers who love their coffee since this brew has a significantly lower caffeine content than the traditional brew.
Last, Liberica requires a specific type of soil and climate; thus, its cultivation is restricted compared to Arabica and Robusta. Liberica coffee is not popularly drunk as often, but it does present that novelty to the drinking mainstream, who have already grown rather particular with their coffee choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Try Liberica Coffee?
Coffee lovers should try Liberica because its taste will likely differ from Arabica and Robusta’s. This makes it ideal for coffee consumers who wish to peruse the various tastes of coffee.
Can Liberica Coffee Be Used In Blends?
Yes, Liberica coffee can be used in blends, but it is best used to add a particular component to other blends. Its unique taste makes extending it to different coffee types easy, and the combinations can be unique.
Is Liberica Coffee Available In Stores?
The Liberica type is less readily available in the market than the Arabica and Robusta types. The product can be bought in specialty coffee shops or on the Internet; however, it is rare in supermarkets.
Why Is Liberian Coffee Expensive?
Liberica coffee is of great importance because of its rarity. It accounts for less than 1% of global coffee production, and its limited cultivation contributes to higher prices than widely grown varieties such as Arabica and Robusta.
Final Thoughts
Liberica coffee beans offer a unique flavor experience that differentiates them from the more common Arabica robusta. Although they make up less than 1% of global coffee production and can be expensive, their unique smokiness, fruit flavor, and rarity make them a rare treat. If you’re a coffee lover looking for something different, Liberica coffee beans are worth trying. Their rich history and unique qualities may surprise you and add a new dimension to your coffee journey.