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
Roasted Liberica beans. Credit: Haztech Guy via Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0

How is it prepared?

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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