And as a follow up on coffee beans, there is one more type of bean that is most of the time hiding behind the leading 2 most popular ones (Arabica and Robusta), and we think it is worth bringing up. This particular type of bean is the Liberica coffee bean. It is a species that is much larger than the others, and the plant itself can grow to 20 metres in height.
Liberica is native to Western and Central Africa. In the close of the 19th century, there was a parasitical fungus which caused the “coffee rust disease” in South East Asia (Indonesia) that ruined most of the Arabica trees/crops. Thus the ultimate solution then was to replace the damages with the more hardy Liberica coffee species in the region.
The resulting bulk of consumption thus is basically from South East Asia (the Philippines and Malaysia), but with species also now growing in South America.
This also explains why Liberica is not widely consumed in the Western countries due to the fact that it is more difficult to obtain in this part of the globe. Hence the resulting share of the pie – Liberica accounts only for 2% of the world’s consumption.
Additionally, Liberica is less receptive by consumers as to some, it pales more in flavour comparing to its more prominent siblings. Still it is an incomparable coffee that really must be experienced in order to be appreciated.
Coffea Liberica
- Large, Asymmetrical, Tear-Drop Shape.
- Low Caffeine Content.
- Tobacco-like, smoldering, dense flavours (not for every palate. In the Philippines, it is named the “Manly Coffee.”
- Made up 2% of Global Coffee Consumption.
- Price could be low to high depending on regions.
So, go ahead to explore boldly the goodness of Liberica!
