Coffee Liberica: Kapeng Barako

Coffee Liberica is one of the types of coffee that is native to Liberia and West Africa. It produces the biggest coffee beans among the coffee groups. It is characterized by a very strong pharmacopical taste and flavor.

Liberica coffee trees are upright with straight trunks; they grow to a height of about 9 meters. The leaves are thicker than that of Excelsa's and twice as long as that of Arabica coffee and are leathery in texture. This species of coffee is tolerant to drought and can grow in a wider type of soil.

Although it’s considered as no great importance in coffee trade, this species of coffee is a major crop in the Philippines because most Filipino coffee lovers prefer the superior and pungent aroma of these coffee beans compared to other kinds. It contains a considerable amount of caffeine so Filipino people refer to it as “kapeng barako” or strong coffee. If not roasted, these type of coffee plant may be toxic to some and too much consumption can caused insomnia and nervousness.