Kape Barako

"Kape Barako", also spelled "Baraco" (English: Barako coffee) is a coffee varietal grown in the Philippines, particularly in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite. It belongs to the species "Coffea liberica". [Citation | last = | first = | title = About Barako Coffee | url=http://www.gotbarako.com/aboutbarako | accessdate = 2007-01-25] The term is also used to refer to all coffee coming from those provinces. "Barako" is the Filipino term for a tough man.

History

In the 1990s, the coffee industry in the Philippines collapsed due to an infestation dubbed as "Coffee rust" as well as tough competition from coffee growers in South America and Vietnam. [Citation | last = | first = | title = Philippine Coffee - Barako | url=http://herbal-medicine.philsite.net/coffee.htm | accessdate = 2007-01-25] This has caused "Kape Barako" growers to shift to other crops, which has threatened the varietal with extinction. [Citation | last = Gutierrez | first = Tuesday | title = Save the Barako Coffee | url=http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=302160&rel_no=1 | accessdate = 2007-01-25] Currently, organizations such as the Figaro Foundation, seek to revitalize the industry. [Citation | last = | first = | title = Help Us Save the Barako | url=http://www.savethebarako.org/primer.htm | accessdate = 2007-01-25]

Preparation

"Kape Barako" is prepared using a drip brewing device, French press, or by simply pouring hot water unto the grounds and filtering the mixture using a piece of cloth. "Barako" is best sweetened with honey or brown sugar. "Barako" can be used to make espresso and other espresso-based drinks.

Comparison with other coffee varieties

Barako is not a common coffee variety, although it is abundant in Southeast Asia especially in the Philippines. It has the largest beans of all the coffee varieties.Fact|date=July 2007 Its taste is said to be superior to Robusta, and most Filipino coffee drinkers prefer Barako to Arabica. The Arabica-Barako blend is a popular gourmet coffee. Barako is considered to be the best among "Liberica" species.Fact|date=July 2007

Other uses

Aside from being a beverage, "Kape Barako" is also used as a body scrub in spa treatment. [Citation | last = Yoon | first = Rowena dela Rosa | title = "Well-being" Mania Goes Tropical | url= http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=3030| accessdate = 2007-01-25]

"Kape Barako" brands

*Batanggas Brew
*Cafe de Lipa
*Figaro
*Kape Amadeo
*Siete Barako

References