17/04/2023
SAN GALING KAPE MO?
It took a while to do this, but here you go.
The Philippines may not be known as a top coffee producer on a global scale, but it has a rich coffee-growing heritage that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. In recent years, the country's specialty coffee industry has been gaining recognition for its unique and flavorful beans. Let's take a closer look at some of the provinces and regions in the Philippines that are known for their coffee production.
Batangas - Dubbed as the "Coffee Capital of the Philippines," Batangas has been producing coffee since the 18th century. The province is known for its premium-grade Barako coffee, which is characterized by its strong, bold flavor and aroma. The name "Barako" is derived from the Tagalog word for "wild boar," which is said to describe the coffee's strong and intense nature. In Batangas, coffee is grown in the towns of Lipa, Tanauan, and Mataasnakahoy.
Benguet - Located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet is known for its Arabica coffee beans. The province's cool climate and high altitude provide ideal growing conditions for this type of coffee. Benguet coffee is known for its bright acidity and complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, citrus, and floral undertones. The towns of Atok, Kibungan, and La Trinidad are some of the top coffee-producing areas in Benguet.
Sagada - Also located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Sagada is another popular coffee-producing area in the Philippines. The town's Arabica coffee is known for its unique flavor, which is influenced by the local soil and climate. Sagada coffee is often described as having a nutty and chocolatey taste, with a hint of fruitiness. The town's coffee farms are situated at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,700 meters above sea level.
Cavite - The town of Amadeo in Cavite is known for its coffee farms, which produce a type of Liberica coffee known as Kapeng Barako Amadeo. This coffee is known for its unique flavor profile, including caramel notes and a slightly bitter finish. The town has a long history of coffee production, dating back to the 19th century.
Davao - While Davao is known for its durian and pomelo fruit, it is also a major coffee producer in the Philippines. The province's Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are known for their high quality and distinctive taste. Davao coffee is often described as having a smooth and mellow flavor, with hints of chocolate and caramel.
Sarangani and Cotabato also have emerging coffee industries, with farmers focusing on growing Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. In fact, the local government of Cotabato has been promoting coffee production as a way to boost the region's economy and provide livelihood opportunities for farmers.
In addition to these provinces and regions, there are many other areas in the Philippines that produce coffee, including Bukidnon, Ilocos Norte, and Sulu. (Actually, all of the regions have coffee plantations)
While the country may not produce the same quantity of coffee as other major coffee-producing countries, its unique beans and growing methods have gained recognition among coffee connoisseurs around the world.
If you're a coffee lover, be sure to sample some of the Philippines' specialty coffees on your next visit to the country. And of course, for us locals, let's make sure to promote our own products.☺️
Ikaw, san galing kape mo?
