So What’s In The Cup?
Hey there, sleepyhead!
Exhausted from work but got to stay up for the whole
night only to finish up your tasks? Reviewing for tomorrow’s exam but fighting
your way back from the magnetic attraction of your bed? Or just wanting a
solution to keep your senses awake and survive another day from the forces of
slumber?
I know, I know. It’s really a serious and a taxing
challenge everyone must face everyday especially those who are in grave-shift
schedule and to those human beings temporarily transformed to late-night
savages. I feel you....I really do. Been there and still facing it. And now
you’re asking ‘How can I beat it?’
Well, for starters, you can try buying energy drinks or
hyperfluids your nearby store can offer. Watch some horror clips, try doing
some jumping jacks, or even allow your friend to pinch you only to heighten
your sensory faculty. However, given these not-so-hardcore tips, these
suggestions could also carry certain physiological and psychological effects.
But if you’re really lusting for something to alarm your
nerves without enduring the hidden side effects of them, then all you need is a
good cup of coffee, pal. Give me a whole day and I’ll suggest you a list of all
the mainly-visited and infamous coffee shops there is to find...but i won’t.
I’ll simply prepare you a good cup of ‘Kapeng Barako’.
You heard me right. This is the coffee that is recognized by all Batangueños
and is one of the signatures of local Philippine brands. It’s also the reason
which gave rise to Batangas to the title ‘Coffee Capital of the Philippines’.
To tell you more about this vigor-infused drink, here are
some facts you need to know:
-‘kapeng barako’ is one of varieties of coffee that came
from the family of species Coffea liberica.
-the name itself was taken from the Spanish word ‘café
varraco’ or ‘café verraco’. The term varraco/verraco means ‘stud’ of an animal
but lately become associated with the image of a tough man.
-all coffee grown in Batangas is generically called
Barako.
-this coffee is abundant in Southeast Asia and is only 1%
of the total coffee contribution.
-its has the largest leaves and beans compared to all
other coffee varieties.
Barako cherries. Credit: cuptrails PH |
There’s no difference when it comes to preparing this
kind of coffee compared to the other varieties. You can try the traditional
brewing where the beans are grounded finely and then simply pour hot water
while being filtered inside a clean cloth. While the other is the civilized
approach where you can just use a coffee maker and pour the grounded coffee and
water simultaneously. Whatever which is the process, it still has the same
great taste.
Okay, so what’s the taste?
Basically, coffee....on an intense level. It carries a
strong smell with a classic yet distinctive flavor. Some prefer it black while
others who aren’t much the espresso-type incorporate with sugar, milk/cream,
and honey. If you ask me then it’s best partnered with the local ‘kakanin’
especially when you’re sipping it in an early morning setting while savoring
the 5am breeze outdoors.
How about its health benefits?
This coffee gives antioxidants aside from the energy it
provides to our body. It can also be used as body scrub as a spa treatment. In
addition to that, it lessens the chance of having a heart disease and
Alzheimer.
There’s nothing much of a bad side effect on this coffee
for it solely depends on how often the drink is consumed on a daily basis. Too
much caffeine can affect the body resistance so tolerance and personal
over watch should be noted.
Craving to taste the Kapeng Barako? If you’re planning to
travel to Batangas, be sure to visit these coffee shops. Since I’m generous
enough to tell you, here are some of the list:
▪ BRUSKO BARAKO CAFE
▪ Palma's Pure Barako Coffee
▪ Mrs. Owl Coffee Kapeng Barako
▪ Kick-Start Coffee Philippine Barako
▪ Silcafe Farmer's Brew
▪ KKK Coffee
▪ Gourmet's Barako Batangas
▪ Batangas Brew
▪ Cafe de Lipa
▪ Old Juancho's Kapeng Barako
▪ Kapeng Barako
▪ Figaro
▪ Kape Amadeo
▪ Siete Barako
▪ Taza Mia Coffee
▪ Kopi Tayo "The Barako way"
▪ Les' Paul Gourmet
Try a sip and eventually you’ll decide to stay in
Batangas permanently. And if you’re planning to find a place to stay here in
Batangas to endulge other coffee varieties and cultures, I just have the right
investment for you.
Sources:
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