New “barako” winning blend in handy filter bags

By Democrito Magpantay
MediaCore, PCARRD

Processed “barako” blend now comes in filter bags similar to teabags.  Cavite State University's Dr. Alejandro Mojica supervised the development of a processing technology, which blends “barako” coffee or liberica variety with robusta and arabica.

CSU researchers believe that the “barako” blend packed in filter bag will be a refreshing product because it can easily and conveniently be made into fine-flavored coffee.

Using the “international cup quality” rating scale and sensory evaluation, the coffee blend containing 20 percent “barako,” 60 percent robusta, and 20 percent arabica is rated “very good” compared to other blends.

The “barako” blend costs P3.00 per bag and posts as much as 90 percent return on expenses.

A report to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development shows that blending liberica with arabica and robusta varieties capitalizes on the distinctive brewed flavor of “barako” coffee such as strong flavor and smell, which resembles a medicine or drug.  

The researchers said the blend optimizes the attributes of an overall cup quality of coffee, measured in terms of acidity, aroma, body, and flavor.  Robusta provides the body and color, arabica gives aroma, and “barako” imparts flavor.  Blending-after-roasting method is used in preparing the “barako” blend.

Brewing is the traditional way of preparing coffee.  Coffee is boiled for few minutes and then the sediments are allowed to settle.  But most of volatile compounds responsible for smooth, fine-quality taste and flavor are lost during boiling.

The use of coffee maker has improved coffee brewing.  But not many people prefer to use a coffee maker, especially when only a cup of coffee is prepared at a time.

Through the new coffee blend, CSU developed an option that could add value to   liberica and better income for local coffee producers.