[1] Barako in Philippine languages is equivalent to the English term "stud" (both literally and figuratively), from Spanish verraco, "wild boar" (baboy ramo in Tagalog).
[3][4] The shape of the liberica beans is unique among other commercial species (arabica, robusta, and excelsa).
The size of the cherries, the beans, and the leaves of barako are also among the largest of all coffee varieties.
[5][6] Its taste is said to be superior to Robusta, and most Philippine coffee drinkers prefer barako to Arabica.
[5] The large sizes of barako trees make it less efficient for production and harvesting than other coffee varieties, causing most modern farmers to shy away from it and grow robusta cultivars instead.
However, there is recent interest in reviving and conserving barako, including increasing preference for it in local coffee shops in the Philippines.
[citation needed] Barako coffee or Liberica Coffee has recently been seen imported and sold in Canada and incorporated into various common espresso based cocktails such as a liberica espresso martinis.
[7] Batangueños use kapeng barako as an alternative to soup as part of the rice dish.
Kapeng barako from Batangas is now gaining popularity among consumers, mainly for its unique, authentic and traditional appeal.