Health Benefits

Health benefits of Liberian Coffee

Coffea Liberica is a type of flowering plant in the same family as coffee and madder. It is also called Liberian coffee. The plant comes from West and Central Tropical Africa. Today, it is mostly grown in Guyana, Surinam, Bioko (Fernando Po), Liberia, Sao Tomé, Malaysia, the Philippines, and to a lesser extent in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Congo (Brazzaville), Taiwan Taiwan, Mauritius, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Timor. Liberian coffee, Grand Bassa coffee, Liberian cherry coffee, Liberian coffee bean, Liberian coffee tree, Nigerian coffee, Liberian coffee plant, Liberian coffee shrub, Liberian coffee bush, Bong coffee, Liberian Mocha, Liberian mountain coffee, Cavalla coffee, Liberica coffee, Nigerian coffee, Liberian giant coffee, Liberian lowland coffee, West African coffee, Liberian Pea berry coffee, Liberian forest coffee, Liberian robusta, Liberian elephant bean, African coffee, Liberian Bourbon and Monrovian coffee are few of the popular common names of the plant.

The word “Coffea” comes from the Arabic word “qahwah,” which is used to describe the drink made from coffee beans. Later, this word was borrowed by other languages and used in their own ways. The name “liberica” for this type of coffee comes from Liberia, which is a country in West Africa. Liberia played a big part in growing and spreading Coffea liberica in the 19th century, so that’s why it was given that name. It is a type of coffee plant that can only grow in certain areas. It actually came from Africa, like most other coffee plants. In fact, it is called “Liberia” because the plant is from that country. Liberian coffee plants are much bigger than Arabica or Robusta plants, and the big coffee beans are known for having a strong flavor of wood and smoke.

About 1% of all professionally grown coffee comes from Liberia. The beans and berries taste and look a lot like regular coffee. However, the beans are usually bigger and have a tough, hard-to-peel skin, which limits their industrial uses. Local people have used it for a long time to make a drink that wakes them up. It is now grown in many tropical countries to make coffee, but because it tastes bitterer than C. Arabica, it is grown on a much smaller scale. Liberian coffee is known for having a strong flavor with a lot of body. It has a rich, deep taste with woody notes that stand out. Liberian coffee can have different tastes depending on the type and how it was grown. For example, it can taste like wine, like nuts, or like spices.

Liberian Coffee Facts

Liberian coffee Quick Facts
Name: Liberian coffee
Scientific Name: Coffea liberica
Origin Tropical West and Central Africa
Colors Initially green and progressing to yellow, orange, or red as they mature
Shapes Small, rounded, about 18-30 mm long
Flesh colors Usually sweet and has a juicy texture
Taste Earthy, robust rich taste and sometimes smoky notes
Health benefits Enhanced cognitive function, Boost metabolism, Improved liver health, Improved physical performance, Heart Health, Diabetes Prevention, Weight Management, Reduced Risk of Diseases, Energy Boost and Mental Alertness, Liver Protection
Name Liberian coffee
Scientific Name Coffea liberica
Native Tropical West and Central Africa. Nowadays, it is fairly widely cultivated especially in Guyana, Surinam, Bioko (Fernando Po), Sao Tomé, Liberia, Malaysia and the Philippines, and to a lesser extent also in Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Congo (Brazzaville), Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and on Timor
Common Names Coffea liberica, Liberian coffee, Liberian robusta, Liberian cherry coffee, Liberian coffee bean, Liberian coffee tree, Liberian coffee plant, Liberian coffee shrub, Liberian coffee bush, Coffea liberica var. liberica, Liberica coffee, Liberian giant coffee, Liberian elephant bean, Liberian lowland coffee, Liberian forest coffee, Liberian mountain coffee, African coffee, West African coffee, Nigerian coffee, Liberian Bourbon, Cavalla coffee, Bong coffee, Grand Bassa coffee, Liberian Mocha, Monrovian coffee, Liberian Peaberry coffee, Nigerian coffee
Name in Other Languages Afrikaans: Liberiese Koffie
Albanian: Kafeja Liberiane
Amharic: Liberyan Bunna (ሊበሪየን ቡና)
Arabic: Qahwat Liberiyā (قهوة ليبيريا)
Armenian: Liberiakan Surj (Լիբերիական Սուրճ)
Azerbaijani: Liberian Qəhvəsi
Basque: Liberiar Kafea
Belarusian: Liberyyskaya kava (Ліберыйская кава)
Bengali: Laibēriẏāna kōphi (লাইবেরিয়ান কফি)
Bosnian: Liberijanska Kafa
Bulgarian: Liberiyska Kafe (Либерийска Кафе), liberiĭsko kafe (либерийско кафе)
Burmese: Lo bhee reeyarr kawhpe (လိုဘီးရီးယားကော်ဖီ)
Catalan: Cafè Liberià
Cebuano: Liberianong Kape
Chichewa: Kafu ya Liberian
Chinese: Lìbǐlǐyà kāfēi (利比里亚咖啡), Da guo ka fei,  Da ka fei shu,  Da li ka fei (大粒咖啡)
Corsican: Caffè Liberianu
Croatian: Liberijanska Kava
Czech: Liberijská Káva, kávovník liberijský
Danish: Liberiansk kaffe
Dutch: Liberiaanse koffie, Liberiakoffie.
English: Liberian coffee, Liberica coffee, Excelsa coffee
Esperanto: Liberiana Kafeo
Estonian: Libeeria Kohv
Filipino: Kape ng Liberia
Finnish: Liberian kahvi
French: Café libérien, Café du Libéria, Caféier du Liberia, Café libérica
Frisian: Liberiërske Kofje
Galician: Café Liberiano
Georgian: Liberiuli q’ava (ლიბერიული ყავა)
German: Liberianischer Kaffee, Liberiakaffee, Liberiakaffeebaum, Liberiakaffeestrauch
Greek: Liverikós kafés (Λιβερικός καφές)
Gujarati: Lā’ibēriyan Kŏphī (લાઇબેરિયન કૉફી)
Haitian Creole: Kafe Liberian
Hausa: Kofi na Liberia
Hawaiian: Kope Liberian
Hebrew: Kafe Libri (קפה ליברי), Kafe Liberay (קפה ליברי)
Hindi: Lāibēriyan kofī (लाइबेरियन कॉफ़ी)
Hmong: Liberian Cov Khoom
Hungarian: Libériai Kávé
Icelandic: Líberískt Kaffi
Igbo: Kọfi Liberia
Indonesian: Kopi Liberia, Kopi Liberika
Irish: Caife Libéiríoch
Italian: Caffè liberiano, Caffe liberica
Japanese: Riberian kōhī (リベリアンコーヒー), Riberikakōhīnoki (リベリカコーヒーノキ)
Javanese: Kopi Liberia
Kannada: Laibīriyan kapha (ಲೈಬೀರಿಯನ್ ಕಾಫಿ)
Kazakh: Liberïyalıq Kofe (Либериялық Кофе)
Khmer: Kafe Liebirean (កាហ្វេលីរីយ៉ាន់)
Korean: Libeolia keopi (리베리아 커피)
Kurdish: Qahwa Liberian
Kyrgyz: Liberïyalık Kofe (Либериялык Кофе)
Lao: Kā Fē Lī Bēn (ກາເຟລິນີລິເອນ)
Latin: Liberiana Coffea
Latvian: Libērijas Kafija
Lithuanian: Liberijos Kava, Liberijos kavamedis
Luxembourgish: Liberianesch Kaffi
Macedonian: Liberisko Kafe (Либериско Кафе)
Malagasy: Kafe Liberiana
Malay: Kopi Liberia
Malayalam: Laibīriyaṇ kōphi (ലൈബീരിയൻ കോഫി), kofi liberika  (കോഫി ലിബെറിക)
Maltese: Kafè Liberjan
Maori: Kawhe Riberiana, kaope papa‘ā
Marathi: Lā’yabēriyan kŏphī (लायबेरियन कॉफी)
Mongolian: Liberiin Kofe (Либерийн Кофе)
Myanmar (Burmese): Lohbēriyāku: Phi (လိုဘီးရီးယားကော်ဖီ)
Nepali: Laibēriyan Kaphī (लाइबेरियन कफी)
Norwegian: Liberiansk kaffe
Pashto: Lāībarīayī Qahwah (لایبریايی قهوه)
Persian: Qahve Liberia (قهوه لیبریا), Ghahveh Liberīā (قهوه لیبریا)
Pohnpeian: Marasau, wahnrose pwetepwet
Polish: Kawa Liberyjska
Portuguese: Café liberiano, Cafeeiro-da-libéria, Café-libérica, cafeeiro-excelsa
Punjabi: ਲਾਈਬੀਰੀਆਈ ਕੌਫੀ (Lā’ībīrī’ā’ī Kau’phī)
Romanian: Cafea Liberiană
Russian: Liberiyskiy kofe (Либерийский кофе), Kofe liberica (Кофе либерика)
Samoan: Kofi Liberian
Scots Gaelic: Caife Libèireach
Serbian: Liberijanska Kafa (Либеријанска Кафа)
Sesotho: Kofi ea Liberia
Shona: Kofi reLiberia
Sindhi: Lā’ibīryā’īna Qahwah (لائبيريائين قهوه)
Sinhala: Layībīriyānu Kābyā (ලයිබීරියානු කාබ්යා)
Slovak: Libérijská Káva
Slovenian: Liberijanska Kava
Somali: Qaxwaaca Liberiya
Spanish: Café liberiano, Cafeto de Liberia
Sundanese: Kopi Liberia
Swahili: Kahawa ya Liberia
Swedish: Liberianskt kaffe
Tajik: Kafeyi Liberiyā (Кафеи Либерия)
Tamil: Laipīriya kāpi (லைபீரிய காபி)
Telugu: Libīriyan kāphī (లిబీరియన్ కాఫీ)
Thai: Kaafae Liberian (กาแฟลิเบรียน), Kafae bai yai (กาแฟใบใหญ่)
Turkish: Liberya kahvesi
Turkmen: Liberýa çagaly
Ukrainian: Liberiysʹka Kava (Ліберійська Кава), Liberika (Ліберіка)
Urdu: Lāibērīn kāfī (لائبیرین کافی)
Uzbek: Liberiyalik Kahva, Liberiya qahvasi
Vietnamese: Cà phê Liberia, Càphê Libéri, Cà phê mít
Welsh: Coffi Liberiaidd
Xhosa: Ikhofi yeLiberia
Yiddish: Liberyan Kofe (ליבעריאַן קאַפֿע)
Yoruba: Oti Liberia
Zulu: Ikhofi leLiberia
Plant Growth Habit Large evergreen, robust shrub or tree
Growing Climates Lowland to lower montane rain forest, gallery forest, forest margins and even in open scrub vegetation
Soil Prefers well-drained soils with good fertility. It can tolerate various soil types, including loamy, sandy loam, and clay loam soils. The soil should have good water-holding capacity while allowing excess water to drain effectively
Plant Size 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) and have a spread of around 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters)
Root Taproot is usually thick and robust, serving as the main anchor for the plant. It grows directly downwards and provides stability and support to the coffee plant
Stem Plants have a central main stem that grows upright from the ground. From the main stem, lateral branches emerge that extend horizontally and vertically, forming the framework of the coffee plant’s canopy
Bark Bark is usually brown or gray and has a slightly rough or ridged texture that protects the inner tissues of the stem and provides structural support
Leaf Leaves are elongated and oblong in shape. They have a pointed tip and a smooth or slightly serrated edge. Leaf shape helps maximize the surface area available for photosynthesis, allowing the plant to capture sunlight efficiently
Flowering season
  • February to April in the Northern Hemisphere
  • August to October in the Southern Hemisphere
Flower Small, white, and fragrant, about 30-40 mm diam. They are typically star-shaped and consist of five petals that spread outward, exposing the reproductive parts of the flower. Calyx lobes small and inconspicuous. Corolla tube about 10-12 mm long
Fruit Shape & Size Small, rounded, about 18-30 mm long and typically about the size of a grape
Fruit Color Initially green and progressing to yellow, orange, or red as they mature
Flesh Usually sweet and has a juicy texture
Seed Seed (commonly referred to as “bean”) 0.7-1.5 cm long, grey-brown-green, with a groove on the inner surface; testa thin, silvery
Flavor/Aroma Earthy and wine-like aromas with nutty or spicy undertones
Taste Earthy, robust rich taste and sometimes smoky notes
Plant Parts Used Seeds, leaves, bark, fruit pulp, Infusions and Extracts
Propagation By seeds, stem cutting, Grafting and Tissue Culture
Lifespan Approximately 20 to 30 years. However, under optimal conditions and with proper care, some plants may live even longer, reaching up to 40 years or more
Varieties
  • Liberica Barako
  • Liberica Excelsa
  • Liberica Java
  • Liberica S-274
Major Nutrition
  • Caffeine
  • Antioxidants
  • Minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Niacin
  • Organic acids (quinic acid, citric acid, malic acid)
Health benefits
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Enhanced cognitive function
  • Boosted metabolism
  • Reduced risk of certain diseases
  • Improved liver health
  • Mood enhancement and depression prevention
  • Improved physical performance
  • Heart Health
  • Diabetes Prevention
  • Weight Management
  • Nutritional Benefits
  • Reduced Risk of Diseases
  • Energy Boost and Mental Alertness
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Metabolic Effects
  • Liver Protection

Plant Description

Liberian coffee trees are usually medium to big, evergreen shrubs or trees with a round canopy. They can grow to be 20 to 40 feet tall (6 to 12 meters) and 15 to 25 feet wide (4.5 to 7.5 meters) across. The branches spread out horizontally from the trunk, making the tree look wide and thick. The plant grows in lowland to lower Montana rain forest, gallery forest, forest edges, and even in open scrub vegetation. It grows best in rich soils that drain well. It can grow in different kinds of dirt, like loamy, sandy loam, and clay loam. The soil should be able to hold water well while letting extra water drain away well. Most of the time, it is grown in tropical areas with mild weather and a lot of rain. It grows well at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level, which is between 600 and 1,200 meters. Liberian coffee is picked when it is ripe and then processed to get the coffee beans. The coffee beans are then roasted and made to make a fragrant and tasty drink.

Appropriate growing environments for Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee thrives in specific growing environments that provide the necessary conditions for its optimal growth and development. Here are the appropriate growing environments for Liberian coffee:

Roots

The main root of Liberian coffee plants grows straight down into the soil. The taproot is generally thick and strong, and it acts as the plant’s main anchor. It shoots straight down and gives the coffee plant stability and support. From the taproot, a lot of horizontal roots spread out in all directions. These lateral roots spread out in the top layer of dirt. They help anchor the plant, take up water and nutrients, and keep the plant steady. The plants also make roots that grow from the stem or shoots above the ground. These are called adventitious roots. These roots can grow out of the bottom of the stem and into the dirt to give the plant more support and water absorption. The roots have tiny hairs on them that soak up water and nutrients from the dirt. These root hairs make the roots bigger, which makes it easier for the plant to take in water and nutrients.

Stem

Most Liberian coffee plants grow straight up, with the main stem and branches also going straight up. But the stem can also bend or branch, based on how it grows and how it is cared for. The plants have a main stem that grows straight up from the ground in the middle. The main stem of the plant gets woody as it grows. It is the main support for the coffee plant’s stems, leaves, and parts that make coffee. From the main trunk, branches grow out in a way that looks like a whorl or like they are switching places. The framework of the coffee plant’s top is made up of these horizontal and vertical branches. The way the plant grows branches lets the leaves spread out and makes it easier for the plant to get sunlight.

The bark on the stem is rough and gets more noticeable as the plant gets older. Most of the time, the bark is brown or grey and has a rough or ridged structure. The bark covers the stem’s inner tissues and gives the stem its shape.

Bark

The bark is rough and scaly. As the plant gets older, the bark stands out more and gets a little bit rough or ridged. The bark has ridges and furrows that make a unique pattern and make the stem look nice. The bark’s color changes based on how old the stem is. The bark on younger stems is generally smoother and lighter in color, with shades of light brown or grey. As the stem gets older, the bark gets darker and grayer or browner.

The bark is pretty thick, which protects the stem cells underneath it. The bark gets thicker as the stem gets older, which makes it stronger and more durable as a whole. The bark is very important because it keeps the inner parts of the stem safe from damage, disease, and environmental stress. It works as a barrier, stopping pathogens, insects, and other harmful things from getting into the stem. This keeps the plant healthy.

Leaves

Liberian coffee has opposite leaf arrangement, which means that each pair of leaves along the stem is exactly opposite the other pair. This opposite arrangement gives the plant an attractive and balanced look. The shape of the leaves is long and narrow. They have a sharp tip and a smooth or slightly jagged edge. The shape of the leaf helps make the most of the area that can be used for photosynthesis. This makes it easier for the plant to take in sunshine.

The leaves are a dark green that is shiny and bright, which is typical of many coffee species. The dark green color of the leaves is an adaptation that helps them take in enough light for photosynthesis. The veins in the leaves are easy to see and run all the way through the leaf blade. These lines make up a network of vascular tissue that moves water, nutrients, and sugars between the different parts of the leaf and the rest of the plant.

The leaves can be different sizes, but they are usually big compared to other types of coffee. Coffea liberica is known for having leaves that are bigger than most plants. The large leaf surface gives more room for photosynthesis, which helps the plant make more energy generally. Petioles, which are thin stalks that connect the leaf blade to the stem, hold the leaves to the stem. The petioles let the leaves move and change position so that they get the most sunlight.

Flower

Inflorescences, which are groups of flowers, are called axillary racemes. The leaf axils, which are the points where the leaf meets the stem, are where these racemes grow. Each raceme has several flowers lined up along its center. They are small, white, and smell good. They are usually in the shape of a star and have five petals that spread outward to show the parts of the flower that make seeds. Most coffee plants in Liberia bloom and make flowers once a year, but the exact time can change based on the weather and how the plants are cared for. Most plants flower when it rains or when they sense something in their surroundings that tells them to.

The majority of Liberian coffee flowers are self-pollinating, which means they have ways to fertilize themselves. Cross-pollination can also happen when insects like bees and butterflies visit the flowers and move pollen from one flower to another. Pollinators are drawn to the flowers because they smell good. People often say that the smell is sweet and flowery, which draws insects to the flowers so they can help pollinate them.

The stamens, which are the male reproductive parts, are made up of a filament and an anther. The pollen, which includes the male gametes, is made by the anthers. The stigma, the style, and the ovary are all parts of the pistil, which is the female reproductive system. The stigma is the surface that gathers pollen, and the style is the thin tube that connects the stigma to the ovary. After fertilization, the ovules in the ovary turn into coffee beans.

Fruits

Most Liberian cherries are about the size of a grape and are small and round. They look like cherries, which is how they got the name “coffee cherry.” As the cherries ripen, their color changes. They start out green and turn yellow, orange, or red, based on the type of coffee and how ripe it is. Liberian coffee has many different parts. The thin, smooth layer on the outside is called the skin or peel. It keeps the inner layers from getting hurt. The soft middle layer, called the pulp or mesocarp, is under the skin. Most of the time, the meat is sweet and juicy. The inner layer, called the paper or endocarp, is wrapped up in the pulp. It is thin and has a texture like paper. It is wrapped around the coffee beans.

It takes several months to fully ripen, and the time it takes depends on the weather and how it was grown. When the cherries are at the right stage of ripeness, they are picked by hand or with machines. To get the best flavor and quality, cherries should be picked when they are fully ripe. The taste can be different, but it’s usually strong and bold. It is known for having a full, rich taste with notes of earth, fruit, and sometimes wine. The exact flavor profile can be affected by things like the type of coffee, how it was grown, and how it was processed after it was picked.

Seeds

Liberian coffee seeds, which are actually beans, are wrapped in a layer of paper inside the coffee cherry. Most Liberian coffee has two seeds, which are flat on one side and rounded on the other. Depending on the type of coffee and how it grows, the form and size of the seeds may be a little different.

The thin, protective skin on the outside of the seed is called the seed coat or testa. It is brown in color. It stops wetness from escaping and gives the embryo inside an extra layer of protection. The endosperm is the biggest part of the seed and makes up most of the coffee bean. The endosperm is full of carbs and gives the growing coffee plant energy and nutrients. Inside the endosperm is the embryo, which is where the coffee plant’s ability to grow is stored. The embryo is a small plant with a root (called a radicle), a shoot (called a plumule), and two leaves called cotyledons. The cotyledons are the immature leaves that feed the growing plant when it first sprouts.

History

Liberica coffee has a long and interesting past that goes all the way back to the 1800s. This rare coffee got its name from the place where it was grown and harvested for the first time, which was Liberia in West Africa. Liberica coffee quickly became famous among coffee lovers because of its unique flavor, which has floral, fruity, and smoky notes, and its large almond-shaped beans. In the late 1800s, most Arabica coffee farms around the world were destroyed by a disease called coffee rust. This is how the Philippines became involved with Liberica coffee.

In 1898, the American government sent Liberica coffee to the Philippines, a former colony, as a possible replacement crop in answer to the crisis. As the rust-resistant Libericas grew well in the soil of the Philippines, the country quickly became one of the top producers of the specialty coffee, helping to develop and spread its unique flavor. Even though Liberica coffee was popular at first, the business slowly died out as Arabica and Robusta beans became more popular. This made Liberica coffee almost impossible to find in the 20th century.

But Liberica coffee has been making a comeback lately, thanks to a renewed interest around the world in special and unique coffee flavors. Small, dedicated groups of farmers and coffee lovers, especially in the Philippines and Malaysia, have taken on the task of preserving and promoting the history and legacy of Liberica coffee. They are working to reestablish it in the specialty coffee market while honoring its unique roots. Liberica coffee beans are a popular choice for Filipino coffee drinkers today, and local Sari-Sari stores often have bags of newly roasted Barako coffee.

Varieties of Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee is primarily known for its cultivation of the Coffea liberica variety. However, within the Coffea liberica species, there are different cultivars or varieties that exhibit variations in flavor profiles, growth characteristics, and adaptability to specific regions. Here are some varieties of Liberian coffee:

Health benefits of Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee, like many other types of coffee, offers several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here is some of the health benefits associated with Liberian coffee:

1. Antioxidant properties

Coffee is full of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and caffeine, which help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by dangerous free radicals. Antioxidants are known to lower the chance of chronic diseases like heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.

2. Enhanced cognitive function

Liberian coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system and make you more aware, better able to focus, and smarter. It can also help you feel less tired and respond faster.

3. Boosted metabolism

Researchers have found that coffee briefly speeds up your metabolism, which could help you control your weight. The caffeine in Liberian coffee can help burn fat and improve physical performance, which is good for people who work out or do other physical tasks regularly.

4. Reduced risk of certain diseases

Several health problems are less likely to happen if you drink coffee in moderation. Studies have shown that drinking coffee regularly may lower the chance of type 2 diabetes, liver diseases (like liver cancer and cirrhosis), Parkinson’s disease, and some types of cancer, like colorectal and endometrial cancer.

5. Improved liver health

It has been found that coffee helps protect the liver. Regularly drinking Liberian coffee has been linked to a lower chance of liver diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. It may also make liver cancer less likely.

6. Mood enhancement and depression prevention

Caffeine in coffee is a mild stimulant that has been shown to improve mood, make people more aware, and lower the risk of depression. But it’s important to remember that too much coffee can have the opposite effect and make you feel anxious or antsy.

7. Improved physical performance

If you drink Liberian coffee before you work out or do other physical activities, it may increase your stamina, make your muscles stronger, and make you feel less tired. Caffeine in coffee causes adrenaline to be released, which can improve stamina and ability in sports as a whole.

8. Heart Health

Heart disease is less likely to happen if you drink Liberian coffee regularly. Coffee’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects help blood vessels work better, reduce swelling, and lower the risk of getting diseases like atherosclerosis and stroke.

9. Diabetes Prevention

Studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation may make it less likely that you will get type 2 diabetes. Some of the bioactive compounds in Liberian coffee, like chlorogenic acid and quinides, help control blood sugar levels and make the body more sensitive to insulin. This could lower the chance of developing diabetes.

10. Weight Management

Researchers have found that the caffeine and chlorogenic acid in Liberian coffee speed up the metabolism and help the body burn more fat. Coffee can also make you feel less hungry, which can help you control your cravings and keep your weight in check.

11. Nutritional Benefits

Magnesium, potassium, and B-vitamins are all important nutrients that can be found in Liberian coffee. These nutrients are good for your general health and help your body do things like make energy, keep nerves working, and keep muscles healthy.

12. Reduced Risk of Diseases

Some diseases are less likely to happen if you drink a moderate amount of Coffea liberica. Studies show that drinking coffee regularly may lower the chance of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver diseases (like liver cancer and cirrhosis), and some types of cancer, like colorectal and endometrial cancer.

13. Energy Boost and Mental Alertness

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can give you more energy, make you more alert, and help you focus and concentrate better. It might help you feel less tired and more awake for a short time.

14. Performance Enhancement

It has been shown that the caffeine in coffee improves how well your body works and how long it can work for. It can help you work out better by making you feel less tired and giving you more time before you get tired.

15. Metabolic Effects

Coffee consumption has been linked to possible benefits for the metabolism, such as a faster metabolism and better fat burning. It may also have a small effect on the hunger.

16. Liver Protection

Some studies show that drinking coffee may lower your chance of liver diseases like liver cancer, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We don’t fully understand the exact processes, but it may have something to do with the bioactive compounds in coffee.

How Is Liberica Coffee Processed?

Liberica is processed through two popular coffee production methods: wet and dry processing. Both methods involve removing the outer layers of the Liberian coffee to reveal the coffee bean inside.

Wet Processing Method

In the wet processing method, which is also called the “washed” method, the coffee cherries are soaked in water to remove their skins.

The first step is to sort the cherries to get rid of any that are broken or not ripe. The cherries are then “pulped” to get rid of the skin and fruit on the outside. This leaves the sticky mucilage on the coffee bean.

The beans are then put in water for up to 48 hours so that the mucilage can ferment and break down. The beans are then washed with clean water to get rid of any leftover mucilage. They are then dried in the sun or with a machine until the moisture level is about 11%.

Dry Processing Method

In the dry processing method, also called the natural method, the coffee cherries are dried in the sun before the top layers are taken off.

The first step is to sort the cherries to get rid of any that are broken or not ripe. The cherries are then spread out on a big surface and left in the sun to dry for up to four weeks. They are turned often to make sure they dry evenly.

Once the cherries are fully dry, they are hulled to remove the outer skin and fruit, leaving just the coffee bean. The beans are then sorted by size and quality and rated before being packed to be sent overseas.

Both wet and dry processing methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on factors such as climate, availability of water, and local traditions.

How to Roast Liberica Coffee?

Liberica roasting is a tricky job that only a skilled roaster can do. The roasting method is a key part of how Liberica gets its unique flavors. Liberica coffee needs to be roasted more slowly and for a longer time than other types of coffee.

To make sure the coffee beans roast properly, the time and temperature must be carefully watched. The roaster must also pay attention to how wet the beans are so they don’t get too dry or too wet.

Roast Levels for Liberica

Most of the time, Liberica coffee is roasted to a medium or dark level. The medium roast brings out the coffee’s fruity and floral flavors, while the dark roast brings out the coffee’s earthy and smoky ones. Usually, it takes between 12 and 15 minutes to get to a medium roast level, while it can take up to 20 minutes to get to a dark roast level.

Culinary Uses of Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee offers a range of culinary possibilities, adding its distinct flavor and aroma to various dishes and beverages. Here are some detailed culinary uses of Liberian coffee:

Coffee Beverages

Desserts:

Savory Dishes:

Baked Goods:

Beverage Infusions:

Spice Blends:

Liberian coffee can be mixed with other spices to make mixes that taste good. It can be used in spice rubs for grilling or in spice mixes to season meat, veggies, or even hot drinks like spiced coffee or cocoa.

Different uses of Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee offers a variety of uses beyond the traditional brewing of coffee. Here are different uses of Liberian coffee in detail:

Coffee Beverages:

Culinary Applications:

Cooking Enhancements:

Infused Liquors and Liqueurs:

Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

Beauty and Skincare:

Potpourri and Aromatherapy:

Side effects of Liberian coffee

Liberian coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can have various effects on the body. While moderate consumption of Liberian coffee is generally considered safe for most individuals, excessive intake or sensitivity to caffeine can lead to specific side effects. Here are detailed explanations of the potential side effects of Liberian coffee:

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=501606#null

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/coffea_liberica.htm

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/COFLI

https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/265167

https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Coffea_liberica_(PROSEA)

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-45605

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Coffea+liberica

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=COLI8

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