Vietnam Liberica Coffee Beans – S18, S16
- Variety: Liberica
- Region: Kon Tum, Quang Tri, Lam Dong
- Elevation: 800m
- Processing: DRY PROCESSING
- Ripe Rate: 90%-95%
- Price per kilogram: $/kg
- Flavor Notes: fruity, floral, and woody flavors
- Features: The beans possess a natural sweetness often described as having hints of dark chocolate, caramel, or molasses. Some may even detect a slightly smoky undertone, which adds to the richness of the flavor. The body of Liberica coffee is full and bold, with a lower acidity compared to Arabica, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth, robust cup of coffee.
Coffee Beans Product Information
Vietnam Liberica Coffee Beans S18/S16 – A Rare Third Species
Liberica coffee beans are the rarest of the three commercial coffee species, and Vietnam is one of the few origins that can supply them for export. Helena Coffee Vietnam sources its liberica from farms in Kon Tum, Quang Tri and Lam Dong at around 800 m, dry processes the cherries at 90–95% ripeness and grades the beans to S18 and S16. The result is a large, distinctive bean with a bold, smoky character unlike either Arabica or robusta.
What are liberica coffee beans?
Coffea liberica grows into a tall tree with large leaves and big, asymmetrical cherries, and its beans are noticeably larger and more elongated than Arabica or robusta. The species is prized in the Philippines, Malaysia and parts of Indonesia, where its strong, aromatic cup is part of the local coffee culture, and it is attracting new interest from specialty roasters looking for something different. In Vietnam it is grown on a small scale alongside robusta, which keeps supply limited.
Our Vietnam liberica coffee is picked when 90–95% of the cherries are ripe and dried whole in the sun, the traditional way liberica is processed in Vietnam. After hulling, the liberica coffee beans are graded by size so that S18 and S16 lots roast evenly.
Specifications
| Origin | Kon Tum, Quang Tri and Lam Dong, Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Species | Coffea liberica |
| Elevation | About 800 m |
| Processing | Dry (natural) processing |
| Ripe rate | 90–95% |
| Screen size | S18, S16 – 90% min above screen |
| Moisture | 12.5% max |
| Foreign matter | 0.1% max |
| Packaging | 60 kg jute bags or 25 kg vacuum bags |
Flavour profile of Vietnam liberica coffee
Liberica coffee beans from Vietnam combine fruity, floral and woody aromas with natural sweetness reminiscent of dark chocolate, caramel or molasses, and some cuppers detect a slightly smoky undertone. The body is full and bold with lower acidity than Arabica, giving a smooth, robust cup. Roasted medium-dark, it makes an unforgettable single origin; in blends, even 10–20% of liberica adds aroma and body that customers notice.
Because liberica beans are large and irregular, they roast best in smaller batches with a gentle start. Ask us for roasting notes from our own trials when you request a sample of these liberica coffee beans.
Supply and terms for liberica coffee beans
- Availability: limited volumes each harvest; ask for current stock and minimum order.
- Packaging: 60 kg jute bags or 25 kg vacuum bags; GrainPro liners on request.
- Pricing: FOB Ho Chi Minh City, CFR or CIF, confirmed by signed PI.
- Payment: 30% T/T deposit and 70% balance by T/T, or irrevocable L/C at sight.
- Shipping: full containers, mixed containers with other grades, or LCL for smaller lots.
- Documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, ICO certificate, phytosanitary and fumigation certificates.
Frequently asked questions
How is liberica different from robusta and Arabica?
Liberica is a separate species with much larger beans, a woody, smoky and fruity aroma and a full body with low acidity. It sits between the sweetness of Arabica and the strength of robusta.
Is liberica the same as excelsa?
They are closely related. Excelsa was long classified as a variety of liberica, and recent research proposes treating it as its own species. We sell both, and their cups are quite different.
Can I buy Vietnam liberica coffee in small quantities?
Yes, smaller lots can travel in a mixed container or as LCL cargo. Contact us for current availability.
Related products from Helena Coffee
You may also be interested in Excelsa coffee Grade 1 screen 16, Excelsa coffee Grade 2, Robusta culi peaberry coffee beans, or browse our full range of Vietnamese Robusta green coffee beans.
Add rare liberica coffee beans to your range. Ask Helena Coffee for a sample and quotation: email info@helenacoffee.vn, WhatsApp +84 789 818 828, or use our contact page.
Certifications
Exploring Vietnam Robusta: Bold Flavor Profile and Unique Taste
Vietnam shines as the top global exporter of robust and flavorful Robusta coffee, with its lush Central Highlands provinces—Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong—dedicating around 90% of their coffee fields to this thriving crop.
This bountiful bean also thrives in midland regions like Vung Tau and Dong Nai, known for their high yields. Delve into the aromatic world of Robusta coffee through renowned growing regions such as Pleiku, Ayun Pa, Buon Ho, and the iconic Buon Ma Thuot—celebrated as Vietnam’s coffee capital.
Attitude
Nestled at an elevation of 500m-600m above sea level, the Central Highlands of Vietnam boast rich red basalt soil and a cool, rainy climate—perfect conditions for cultivating exquisite Robusta coffee for centuries. This region’s beans are famed for their potent caffeine content, bold flavors, and low acidity, enticing coffee aficionados worldwide.
Yet, the allure of Central Highlands coffee lies in its unique regional nuances. Some beans enchant with silky notes of butter, oil, or caramel, while others capture the essence of the sun-kissed highlands and crisp mountain breezes. Discover the captivating tastes that have made Central Highlands coffee a cherished treasure for generations.
Environment
Climate factors such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity play a crucial role in shaping a coffee’s maturation, overall flavor, and quality. Coffee-producing countries either boast naturally ideal conditions for growth or employ innovative techniques to enhance their ecosystems.
Robusta coffee, in particular, thrives in a harmonious dance with its environment, flourishing under the tender care of nature’s elements. As you indulge in its rich, bold flavors, you’ll savor the exquisite results of this intricate interplay.
Precipitation
500m – 800m
Temperature
17℃
Humidity
71%
Processing
Coffee processing involves separating the bean from the cherry, with popular methods like washed, dry, and honey, among others. Each technique emphasizes different aspects to create unique flavors, inviting you to explore and savor the diverse world of coffee.
Washed
Fully Washed
Dried
Sun-dried
Natural
Fully Washed
Timeline
Harvest and export times are based off when a particular coffee will be at its peak quality. Cherries picked at the start of the harvest season tend to be underdeveloped, and those picked at the end are often overdeveloped, so producers aim for that sweet
Harvest
Export
Dec – Sept
Dak Lak Viet Nam
Dak Lak Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, earns its title as the “capital” of Vietnamese coffee with its sprawling green coffee fields cascading across the region’s basaltic hills, bathed in sunlight and caressed by gentle winds. Home to numerous distinguished coffee brands, Dak Lak’s exceptional beans have captured hearts worldwide, with exports reaching over 80 countries and territories, solidifying its global reputation for exceptional coffee.
