Excelsa Coffee: The hidden gem in the coffee world

In the diverse and rich world of coffee, there is a lesser-known variety that possesses unique and intriguing characteristics—Excelsa coffee. The question arises: Why is Excelsa coffee less known compared to other coffee types? Does it have the potential to become a popular coffee variety in the future?

Introduction to Excelsa Coffee

Excelsa coffee, also known as Coffea excelsa or Coffea liberica var. dewevrei, is a distinctive coffee type originating from Africa. It is considered a variant of Liberica coffee, but with unique attributes that set it apart from popular types like Arabica and Robusta.

The uniqueness of Excelsa lies in its complex and multi-dimensional flavor profile. Excelsa offers an intriguing experience with fruity and nutty notes, complemented by a mild acidity and a lingering aftertaste. This makes Excelsa an appealing choice for coffee lovers seeking to explore novel and distinctive flavors.

Biological characteristics and distribution

Origin

Excelsa coffee originates from the Central African region, particularly around Lake Chad. It was discovered in the late 19th century by French botanist Auguste Chevalier. Initially classified as a separate species, it was later determined by scientists to be a variant of Liberica coffee.

Today, Excelsa coffee is primarily grown in Southeast Asia (including Vietnam and the Philippines) and India.

Biological Characteristics

Excelsa coffee thrives at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,300 meters above sea level (masl) and differs from Arabica and Robusta in that it is a tree-like plant rather than a bush. This means it requires vertical space to grow rather than spreading out horizontally. Although it is productive and resilient, Excelsa is challenging to manage and requires extensive care.

The Excelsa tree has large, tough leaves (averaging 26 cm long and 13 cm wide). It blooms multiple times during the harvest season, even though the fruits take about a year to ripen. These flowers are larger than those on Arabica and Canephora trees. Excelsa also produces asymmetrical coffee beans, averaging around 9 mm in length and 6 mm in width.

Excelsa beans also have lower caffeine content compared to Canephora and Arabica. Dr. Oliveiro Guerreiro Filho, a senior researcher at IAC in Brazil, reports that the caffeine content in Excelsa beans ranges from 0.86 to 1.13 grams per 100 grams, compared to 1.2 to 1.5 grams for Arabica and 2.2 to 2.7 grams for Canephora.

Despite this, the Excelsa plant is resistant to many common diseases and pests that affect other coffee plants, such as coffee leaf rust, nematodes, and coffee borer beetles. However, it is susceptible to trichomycosis, a fungal disease.

Geographical Distribution

Though originally from Africa, Excelsa coffee is now grown in various countries, primarily within the tropical regions. Major Excelsa coffee-producing countries include:

• Philippines: One of the world’s largest producers of Excelsa.
• Vietnam: Grown in several areas of the Central Highlands.
• India: Particularly in southern regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Indonesia: Mainly on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
• Some African countries such as Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.

However, it’s important to note that Excelsa coffee production constitutes a small fraction of global coffee output, significantly lower than Arabica and Robusta.

Flavor and characteristics of Excelsa Coffee

Distinctive Flavors

Excelsa coffee is known for its unique and complex flavor profile, providing a memorable tasting experience for coffee enthusiasts. A sip of Excelsa reveals a symphony of flavors, each contributing to its distinct identity.

• Fruity: Initially, you’ll experience a wave of tropical fruit flavors. Unlike the sharp acidity of apples or the subtle sweetness of strawberries found in Arabica, Excelsa offers flavors of tropical fruits such as ripe mangoes, sweet lychees, and even the delicate aroma of guava. This combination creates an intriguing and unforgettable initial flavor layer.

• Nutty: As the fruity notes fade, a warm and rich nutty flavor emerges, adding depth to the coffee and providing a full and satisfying mouthfeel. This nutty flavor is more refined and balanced than the strong notes found in some Robusta coffees, blending harmoniously with other flavor notes.

• Woody: Another interesting characteristic of Excelsa is its subtle woody note. This adds complexity to the flavor and creates a rustic, nature-inspired sensation. Imagine sipping coffee in a tropical forest surrounded by large trees and humid air—that’s the essence of the woody note in Excelsa.

• Tannin: Lastly, Excelsa features tannins similar to those found in red wine. This imparts a mild astringency on the palate, making each sip more engaging. Tannins also contribute to a fuller body and a lingering aftertaste, allowing the flavor of the coffee to remain memorable long after drinking.

Compared to other coffees, Excelsa stands out for its balance and complexity. It offers a more multidimensional experience than Arabica, which is often praised for its subtle acidity and floral notes. Excelsa is also considerably less bitter than Robusta, providing a harmonious blend of flavors.

Caffeine Content

In terms of caffeine content, Excelsa falls between Arabica and Robusta. With a caffeine range of 1.5% to 2%, Excelsa provides enough caffeine to offer a stimulating effect without the intense side effects often associated with Robusta. This makes Excelsa an ideal choice for those who enjoy coffee in the afternoon without worrying about disrupting their sleep.

Acidity and Bitterness

Excelsa’s acidity is noteworthy as it is light to medium, creating a wonderful balance with other flavor notes. This acidity is not sharp like in some Arabica coffees but has a rounded and pleasant quality. It enhances the fruity flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Regarding bitterness, Excelsa is medium, higher than most Arabicas but significantly lower than Robusta. The bitterness is subtle and serves as a gentle backdrop to the flavor symphony, blending beautifully with the fruity sweetness and nutty richness, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying cup.

An important characteristic of Excelsa is its body, which ranges from medium to full. This provides a rich and “weighty” mouthfeel, making each sip memorable and fulfilling. This robust body also makes Excelsa an excellent component in coffee blends, contributing to a rich and balanced flavor profile.

In summary, Excelsa coffee presents a complex and balanced flavor profile. From tropical fruit notes to warm nutty flavors, subtle woody undertones to tannic astringency, it creates a unique coffee experience. With moderate acidity, balanced bitterness, and a full body, Excelsa offers a multidimensional tasting experience, making it a hidden gem in the coffee world, deserving of exploration and enjoyment.

The cultivation and processing of Excelsa Coffee

Ideal Growing Conditions for Excelsa

Imagine standing on a hill in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Beneath you is the fertile red basalt soil stretching to the horizon—this is the “paradise” for Excelsa coffee.

“Red basalt soil is gold for Excelsa. It provides the ideal pH and nutrients needed to produce rich, complex coffee beans.”

Stable temperatures between 20-28°C, along with annual rainfall of 1500-2500 mm, create an ideal environment for Excelsa to thrive. High humidity and moderate sunlight are key to the optimal growth of this coffee plant.

Nurturing a “Star”

Cultivating Excelsa is akin to nurturing a jazz star—requiring patience, meticulous care, and a touch of improvisation.

• Germination: From a small seed, Excelsa seedlings are nurtured in a special nursery. This crucial stage determines the future health of the plant.
• Transplanting: After 6-8 months, seedlings are moved to the field. With a spacing of 3-4 meters between rows and 2-3 meters between plants, each Excelsa tree has ample space to “stretch its wings.”
• Growth: The first 3-4 years are a period of learning and development for Excelsa. Farmers must patiently tend, prune, and fertilize regularly.
• Pruning: With a potential height of 20-30 meters, Excelsa needs to be “controlled” through regular pruning. This is an art that requires finesse to avoid affecting yield.
• Harvesting: When art meets science

After 3-4 years of waiting, it’s time to harvest these “gems.” This isn’t a job for machinery but for skilled hands and keen eyes.

“Only the fully ripe, red cherries are picked. Each cherry is a masterpiece of nature, and we respect that.”

Processing: Unveiling the coffee’s story

Processing Excelsa is like “transforming” to reveal the true essence of the coffee bean. There are two main methods:

Washed Processing:

• Remove the skin and pulp
• Soak in water for 24-36 hours
• Rinse and dry
• Result: Refined flavors and a bright acidity

Dry Processing:

• Sun-dry the whole cherries for 2-3 weeks
• Regularly mix
• Result: Rich, complex flavors

Final Step: Roasting – The Art of Flavor Release

Roasting Excelsa is like a jazz concert—requiring precise control of temperature and time to create a harmonious flavor profile.

“Roasting Excelsa is a challenge. Too light, and you lose depth. Too dark, and you lose subtlety. We seek the perfect balance.”

From the tiny seed to the aromatic cup, the journey of Excelsa is a story of patience, skill, and passion. Each step in this process contributes to the unique character of Excelsa—a “rising star” in the world of coffee.

Uses and market for Excelsa Coffee

Brewing Applications

Excelsa coffee can be brewed in various ways to highlight its unique flavors:

Pour-over:

• Use medium-ground coffee
• Water-to-coffee ratio about 15:1
• Brew for 3-4 minutes
• This method enhances Excelsa’s fruity and nutty notes.

French Press:

• Use coarse-ground coffee
• Steep in hot water for about 4 minutes
• Produces a robust cup, retaining the coffee oils.

Espresso:

• Adjust espresso machine settings for Excelsa
• Extraction time around 25-30 seconds
• Creates a rich espresso shot with distinct crema.

Cold Brew:

• Steep coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours
• This method reduces acidity, resulting in a smooth coffee with distinctive flavors.

Note: Avoid using water hotter than 96°C when brewing Excelsa to preserve its delicate flavors.

Blending

Excelsa is often used in coffee blends to create unique flavors:

Blend with Arabica:

• Common ratio: 70% Arabica – 30% Excelsa
• Excelsa adds body and complexity to Arabica while preserving its delicate acidity.

Blend with Robusta:

• Common ratio: 60% Robusta – 40% Excelsa
• Excelsa moderates Robusta’s bitterness and adds fruity and nutty flavors.

Three-Coffee Blend:

• Example: 50% Arabica – 30% Robusta – 20% Excelsa
• Creates a balanced mix of flavor, body, and caffeine.

Specialty Blends:

Some roasters use Excelsa in exclusive blends to leverage its distinctive flavors.

Market Consumption

The market for Excelsa coffee is still limited compared to Arabica and Robusta, but shows potential for growth:

Current Market:

• Mainly consumed in producing countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and India.
• Niche markets in Western countries, particularly among coffee enthusiasts.

Growth Potential:

• Increasing demand for unique coffees offers opportunities for Excelsa.
• Specialty coffee shops and small roasters are beginning to show interest in Excelsa.
• Premium coffee blend markets could be a potential growth area for Excelsa.

Challenges:

• Consumer awareness of Excelsa is limited.
• Higher production costs due to lower yield.
• Investment in marketing is needed to introduce Excelsa’s unique flavors.

Opportunities:

• Potential to create specialty and premium coffee products.
• Opportunities in high-end instant coffee segments.
• Potential for coffee tourism in Excelsa-growing regions.

Comparison of Excelsa Coffee with other types

Comparison with Arabica

Flavor:

• Excelsa: More complex with distinct fruity and nutty notes.
• Arabica: Generally milder with refined acidity and floral notes.

Bean Size:

• Excelsa: Smaller beans with an oval shape.
• Arabica: Larger beans with a flat, oval shape.

Caffeine Content:

• Excelsa: Higher than Arabica (1.5-2%).
• Arabica: Lower (1-1.5%).

Price:

• Excelsa: Typically higher due to lower yield and lesser popularity.
• Arabica: Price varies from affordable to premium depending on origin and quality.

Disease Resistance:

• Excelsa: Better disease resistance, particularly to leaf rust.
• Arabica: More susceptible to diseases like leaf rust.

Comparison with Robusta

Flavor:

• Excelsa: More complex and refined, less bitter.
• Robusta: Strong bitterness with distinctive “woody” and “burnt” notes.

Caffeine Content:

• Excelsa: Lower than Robusta (1.5-2%).
• Robusta: Higher (2-2.5%).

Environmental Adaptability:

• Excelsa: Adaptable but less so than Robusta.
• Robusta: Tolerates harsher growing conditions.

Use in Blending:

• Excelsa: Adds complexity and balance.
• Robusta: Enhances body and caffeine content.

Comparison with Liberica

Relation:

• Excelsa is considered a variant of Liberica (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei).
• Both share many biological characteristics.

Flavor:

• Excelsa: Typically balanced and refined.
• Liberica: More intense, sometimes described as “smoky” or “woody.”

Plant and Bean Size:

• Excelsa: Slightly smaller plants and beans.
• Liberica: Largest plant and beans among coffee varieties.

Distribution:

• Excelsa: More widely grown in tropical countries.
• Liberica: More restricted to Malaysia, the Philippines, and some African countries.

Conclusion

Excelsa coffee, with its unique flavor and distinct characteristics, is gradually establishing itself in the diverse coffee world. Although not widely known yet, Excelsa has significant potential to become a popular coffee variety in the future. Its complex flavor profile with tropical fruit notes, nutty undertones, and subtle woodiness, combined with good disease resistance and environmental adaptability, makes Excelsa appealing to both consumers and producers. However, realizing this potential requires investment in research, production process improvements, and increased consumer awareness. With the growing trend towards specialty coffees and sustainable agriculture, Excelsa has a great opportunity to develop and contribute to the diversity and richness of the global coffee industry.

Related Questions

1. What is Excelsa coffee and what makes it special compared to other coffees?

Excelsa coffee, also known as Coffea liberica var. dewevrei, is a variant of Liberica coffee from Central Africa. Its standout feature is its unique and complex flavor. Unlike the mild acidity and floral notes of Arabica or the strong bitterness of Robusta, Excelsa offers a harmonious blend of tropical fruit notes, nutty hints, and subtle woodiness.

Excelsa is also notable for its environmental adaptability and higher disease resistance compared to Arabica. In terms of caffeine, it falls between Arabica and Robusta, providing sufficient energy without the “overpowering” effect of Robusta. Excelsa is often used in coffee blends to create distinctive and balanced flavors.

2. How to identify and properly enjoy a cup of Excelsa coffee?

To identify Excelsa coffee, look for its multi-layered flavor profile:

• Initial aroma: Tropical fruit flavors such as mango, lychee, or guava.
• Mid-palate: Warm, rich nutty notes.
• Finish: Subtle woodiness and astringency from tannins.

For the best experience:

• Use pour-over or French press methods to retain oils and distinctive flavors.
• Avoid using water that is too hot (below 96°C) to preserve the delicate flavors.
• Try Excelsa at different temperatures as its flavor may change as it cools.
• Sip slowly and pay attention to the evolving flavors.

3. Why is Excelsa coffee less popular compared to Arabica and Robusta, and could this change in the future?

Excelsa is less popular due to several factors:

• Low yield: Excelsa plants produce less compared to Arabica and Robusta.
• Harvesting challenges: Large plant size complicates harvesting.
• Lack of awareness: Many consumers and industry professionals are unfamiliar with Excelsa.
• High production costs: Lower yield and complex processing increase costs.

However, the situation may change because:

• There is a growing interest in unique and specialty coffees.
• The coffee industry is diversifying to meet consumer demands.
• Excelsa has potential for premium and unique blends.
• Increasing focus on sustainable farming could boost Excelsa cultivation, given its disease resistance.

4. How is Excelsa coffee grown and processed, and how does this affect its quality?

Excelsa coffee is grown and processed with a relatively complex process:

• Cultivation: Requires nutrient-rich soil, good drainage, and a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Ideal conditions are temperatures of 20-28°C and rainfall of 1500-2500mm/year, typically at 400-800m above sea level.

• Processing: Uses either wet or dry methods. Wet processing involves de-pulping, fermentation, washing, and drying. Dry processing is simpler but requires longer drying times.

This process significantly affects coffee quality:

• Growing conditions directly impact the flavor and characteristics of the beans.
• Processing methods influence the preservation and development of Excelsa’s unique flavor.
• Careful roasting is needed to maintain Excelsa’s delicate flavors.

5. How to integrate Excelsa coffee into daily routines, and what other coffees can it blend with?

To incorporate Excelsa into your routine:

• Start by trying it straight to familiarize yourself with its unique flavor.
• Experiment with different brewing methods like pour-over, French press, or cold brew to find your preferred method.
• Use Excelsa for afternoon coffee as its moderate caffeine content won’t disrupt sleep.
• Blend Excelsa with other coffees for a personalized mix.

Excelsa blends well with:

• Arabica: A common blend is 70% Arabica and 30% Excelsa, adding body and complexity while preserving Arabica’s acidity.
• Robusta: A blend of about 60% Robusta and 40% Excelsa reduces Robusta’s bitterness and adds fruit and nutty flavors.
• Three-way blend: For example, 50% Arabica, 30% Robusta, and 20% Excelsa, creating a balanced mix of flavor, body, and caffeine.

Incorporating Excelsa into your coffee routine not only diversifies your coffee experience but also supports the growth of this unique coffee variety in the global industry.