What is special about Liberica coffee? What are the biological characteristics of the tree, leaves, fruit, and coffee beans? How is its flavor different from Arabica and Robusta? Follow Bruco to read the article below to listen to the sharing about this coffee variety that only accounts for about 2% of the world’s coffee production!
1. Outstanding biological characteristics of Liberica coffee
1.1 Shape
As a Liberica coffee variety (also known as Jackfruit Coffee in Vietnam) originating from West Africa, the Liberica coffee tree has a very special shape compared to the Arabica or Robusta trees. Specifically as follows:
- Liberica coffee trees are generally larger in size than other varieties, reaching heights of up to 17m.
- The leaves are usually larger and irregular in shape. The leaves are dark green with a slightly rough surface. In particular, the shape of the tree and leaves are very similar to the jackfruit tree and even the flavor of the coffee beans has the characteristic flavor of jackfruit – this makes it easy to recognize the coffee variety.
- Liberica coffee berries are large, asymmetrical, and have an elongated oval shape, unlike the small, round berries of Arabica or Robusta coffee.
- Liberica coffee beans are oval in shape, with one flat side and one convex side.
1.2 Size
The size of the Liberica coffee plant, leaves, fruit, and seeds also have some unusual features compared to other coffee varieties.
- Liberica coffee trees can grow up to 10 to 20m tall, much taller than other coffee varieties such as Arabica (4 – 7m) and Robusta (6 – 8m). Liberica coffee trees can also live longer, up to 70 years. The economic life span is about 25 – 30 years.
- Liberica coffee leaves are oval in shape, with an average size of 10 to 20 cm.
- Liberica coffee cherries are larger than other coffee varieties, with an average size of 20 to 25 mm.
- The average grain size is 18 to 20mm.
2. Flavor of Liberica coffee beans
Liberica coffee is said to have a floral and fruity aroma, especially that of jackfruit. However, after brewing, Liberica’s flavor is often described as having a floral aroma, a rich fruity sweetness, and a long aftertaste.
Compared to Arabica and Robusta, Liberica contains less caffeine and has a much stronger aroma and flavor. Although less bitter than the other two types of coffee, the aftertaste is rich and unmistakable.
If anyone feels that Arabica or Robusta is not suitable, Liberica is a perfect alternative. Liberica’s flavor is considered by connoisseurs to be attractive and appealing.
Because of its complex flavor, Liberica beans are often added to coffee blends for a special kick. Those lucky enough to try Liberica coffee say it tastes unlike any coffee they’ve ever had before.
3. Caffeine and other compounds found in Liberica coffee
The caffeine content of Liberica coffee ranges from 0.6% to 1.7%, lower than that of Arabica coffee (1.2% to 2.2%) and Robusta coffee (2.7% to 4.5%).
In addition to caffeine, Liberica coffee contains several other compounds, including:
- Theobromine
- Chlorogenic acid
- Triglycerides
- Protein
Thanks to its different acid compounds, Liberica is generally lower in acidity than Arabica coffee, which may suit those who prefer the mild and distinctive flavor of Liberica coffee.
4. Popular areas for growing Liberica coffee
Liberica coffee is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in Southeast Asia and Africa:
- Philippines: The Philippines is the world’s largest producer of Liberica coffee, accounting for about 70% of total production. Liberica coffee is grown in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Mindoro Occidental, and Mindanao.
- Indonesia: Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of Liberica coffee, accounting for about 20% of total production. Liberica coffee is grown in the provinces of Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.
- Malaysia: Malaysia is the third largest producer of Liberica coffee in the world, accounting for about 10% of total production. Liberica coffee is grown in the states of Sarawak and Sabah.
- Liberia: Liberia is home to Liberica coffee, but Liberia’s Liberica coffee production accounts for only a small percentage of the world’s total production.
Liberica coffee is also grown in several other regions such as Central America, South America, India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Liberica coffee is a drought and pest resistant coffee, so it can be grown in lowland, warm areas that are not suitable for growing Arabica and Robusta coffee. However, the drawback of this coffee variety is that harvesting becomes difficult as the trees can grow up to 17m high and the yield is quite low when compared to other varieties.
In addition to Arabica and Robusta, if you have ever tried Liberica coffee, please leave your feelings for Phuong Vy Coffee! Hopefully, the information we have provided will help you answer the question of what is special about Liberica coffee!