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A C O F F E E S T O R Y
IF FILIPINOS
had a national drink, this would be it. Farmed,
traded and drank in these islands for almost two centuries, the
kapeng barako belongs up there with the jeepney and José Rizal
as one of the country’s favorite symbols.
The name “kapeng barako” actually refers to the liberica
variety, a rare type of coffee that’s grown only in a handful of
countries. Compared to the more famous arabica and robusta,
the Philippine liberica boasts a distinctive flavor that Pinoys
know well. Surprisingly, it is only beginning to be appreciated by
foreigners — with local industry experts betting that the barako
could be the coffee world’s next big thing.
The Philippine barako is ready to have its moment in the
sun. Lester V. Ledesma guides us through a season in the
life of this hotly tipped brew, from seed to coffee cup
Its bean a
pleasure