Liberica Coffee

Description

Description

Specification

• Category: Liberica Coffee Specifications
• Scientific Name: Coffea liberica var. liberica
• Origin: West Africa (Liberia)
• Planting Altitude: Low to medium altitudes (0-1000 meters above sea level)
• Disease Resistance: Better than Arabica, but less resistant than Robusta to leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix)
• Tree Structure: Very tall, reaching 9 to 17 meters in height
• Leaves: Thick, wide, and oval-shaped (up to 30 cm wide)
• Fruit (Cherry): Larger with thicker skin compared to Arabica and Robusta, Oval in shape
• Production: Moderate yield (4-5 quintals per hectare per year)
• Environmental Adaptability: Resistant to extreme conditions and thrives in peatlands

Characteristics

• Category: Liberica Coffee Specifications
• Bean Size: Largest among cultivated coffee varieties
• Bean Shape: Asymmetrical, irregular, and typically large and elongated
• Dry Bean Color: Brown to dark brown, almost black
• Caffeine Content: Very low, around 1.23 grams per 100 grams of beans (lowest among Arabica and Robusta)
• Yield: Low, approximately ±12%
• Fat Content: High fat content, around 12%, providing a creamy mouthfeel

Flavor and Aroma Profile

• Category: Liberica Coffee Flavor Description
• Aroma: Distinct, strong, and unique (often likened to the smell of ripe jackfruit)
• Main Flavor: Complex, with fruity, floral, herbal notes
• Body: Full-bodied and heavy, supported by high fat content
• Acidity: Low, resulting in a balanced taste
• Aftertaste: Long-lasting and complex, with a sometimes earthy touch

History of Liberica Coffee in Indonesia

The introduction of Liberica coffee to Indonesia is linked to the coffee plantation epidemic during the Dutch colonial period. Here’s a brief history:

1. The Crisis (19th Century)
   In the 1800s, Arabica coffee dominated Indonesia’s lowland plantations. However, by 1878, these plantations were ravaged by leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix), nearly wiping out the Arabica crops. This prompted the Dutch Colonial Government to search for a more disease-resistant coffee variety.

2. The Arrival of Liberica (19th Century)
   To replace the destroyed Arabica, the Dutch introduced Liberica coffee to Indonesia.

   • Goal: Replace the Arabica coffee decimated by leaf rust.

   • Benefits: Liberica’s greater resistance to leaf rust and its ability to thrive in the lowland regions made it a promising alternative.

3. The Second Setback (Early 20th Century)
   While initially successful due to its resilience, Liberica’s dominance was short-lived. Around 1907, Liberica coffee in the lowlands began to suffer from leaf rust, despite its better resistance than Arabica. This failure led the Dutch Government to realize that Liberica wasn’t a sustainable long-term solution, and many of the lowland coffee plantations were destroyed again.

4. The Rise of Robusta
   After the failure of Liberica, the Dutch introduced Robusta coffee in the early 1900s. Robusta proved to be far more resistant to leaf rust and offered higher yields, especially in the lowlands. As a result, Robusta became the dominant coffee variety in Indonesia, with Liberica planted only in select regions.