| Coffee Beans | Excelsa Coffee (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei) |
| Discovered | Early 1900s in Chad in Central Africa |
| Major growing areas | Vietnam, the Philippines, and India |
| Flavor Profile | Fruity and tart notes |
| Aroma | Fruity aroma with hints of nuts, chocolate, and caramel |
| Best Roast | Medium Roast |
| Best Brewing Method | Cold brew, French press, and pour-over |
Origin and Cultivation
The exact origins of Excelsa coffee are not really clear. However, it is believed that Excelsa coffee was first discovered in 1903 in Central Africa, specifically in Chad and was introduced in Southeast Asia by traders. Today, it is primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia, including countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and India. Other African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Central African Republic also grow Excelsa coffee. Despite its unique and desirable flavor profile, Excelsa coffee accounts for only about 1% of the global coffee bean production.
Earlier, Excelsa coffee was considered a standalone species of the Coffea genus and was called Coffea dewevrei. It was in 2006 that excelsa coffee was reclassified as one of the varieties of Liberica Coffee and scientifically called as Coffea liberica var. dewevrei.
Best Growing Conditions
Excelsa coffee plants thrive in similar conditions as Liberica coffee plants. They are resilient and productive, much like Robusta coffee plants. However, the production of Excelsa coffee beans is limited due to the labor involved in the production process and the lack of a market for the coffee.
Growing Conditions for Excelsa Plants:
- Climate:
Excelsa coffee thrives in tropical climates with a temperature range of 68-86°F (20-30°C). It prefers areas with consistent warmth and humidity. - Altitude:
Excelsa coffee plants can grow at a wide range of altitudes, from sea level up to around 3,000 feet (900 meters). They are relatively more adaptable to lower elevations compared to other coffee varieties. - Rainfall:
Adequate rainfall is crucial for Excelsa coffee. It requires an annual rainfall of around 60-100 inches (150-250 cm) evenly distributed throughout the year. - Soil:
Excelsa coffee plants prefer well-drained soils with good organic matter content. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy loam and clay loam.
Excelsa Plant Characteristics:
- Size:
Excelsa coffee plants are known for their large size compared to other coffee species. They can grow as tall as 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with a spread of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters). - Leaves:
The leaves of Excelsa coffee plants are broad and elongated, often measuring around 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. They have a glossy dark green color. - Flowers:
Excelsa coffee plants produce fragrant white flowers that are similar in appearance to those of other coffee varieties. The flowers typically bloom in clusters and have a pleasant aroma. - Berries:
The berries of Excelsa coffee are oval-shaped and are usually smaller than those of Arabica or Robusta coffee. They have a reddish-purple color when ripe, containing two seeds, or coffee beans, inside.
It’s important to note that Excelsa coffee plants share some similarities with other varieties of Coffea liberica but also have distinct characteristics, especially in terms of flavor and aroma. Excelsa coffee beans are typically smaller in size compared to other Coffea liberica varieties. While Coffea liberica beans are known for their larger size, Excelsa beans tend to be more similar in size to Coffea arabica beans.
Best Roast Levels and Brewing Methods for Excelsa Coffee
To preserve the distinctive flavor profile of Excelsa beans, they are typically roasted in medium styles. Medium to dark roasts are recommended to bring out the unique flavor profile of the beans. Excelsa coffee beans are perfect for cold brew, French press, and pour-over brewing methods, as these methods bring out the unique flavors of each bean. They can also be blended with other beans to create unique, complex blends that can be used for espresso, cappuccino, and latte drinks for an added boost of flavor.
Flavor Profile and Aroma of Excelsa Coffee
Excelsa coffee possesses a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other Coffea liberica varieties. It combines fruity and tart notes similar to Coffea arabica with the bold and full-bodied qualities found in Coffea canephora (Robusta). This unique combination of flavors provides Excelsa coffee with its distinct taste and aroma. Excelsa coffee has a strong, aromatic, and earthy taste. The bean’s aroma is Fruity aroma with hints of nuts, chocolate, and caramel and to some it is pungent, making the coffee divisive among consumers.
How Excelsa and Liberica compare to each other?
Certainly! Excelsa coffee plants, being a variety of Coffea liberica, share certain similarities with other varieties within the Coffea liberica species. However, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here’s a closer look at their similarities and differences:
Similarities with Other Coffea liberica Varieties:
- Size:
Like other Coffea liberica varieties, Excelsa coffee plants tend to be larger in size compared to Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora (Robusta) plants. They have tall and robust growth patterns, with a height that can reach up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). - Resistance:
Coffea liberica varieties, including Excelsa, exhibit a higher degree of resistance to certain pests and diseases compared to Coffea arabica. This is one of the reasons why they were historically cultivated as a means to combat coffee leaf rust.
Distinctive Features of Excelsa Beans and Coffee
- Flavor Profile:
Excelsa coffee possesses a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other Coffea liberica varieties. It combines fruity and tart notes similar to Coffea arabica with the bold and full-bodied qualities found in Coffea canephora (Robusta). This unique combination of flavors provides Excelsa coffee with its distinct taste and aroma. - Bean Size:
Excelsa coffee beans are typically smaller in size compared to other Coffea liberica varieties. While Coffea liberica beans are known for their larger size, Excelsa beans tend to be more similar in size to Coffea arabica beans.
The Mystery of Excelsa Coffee
As it is clear from the above discussion that the origins of Excelsa coffee are not very clear and so are the best ways to grow, process and consume it. At the moment it has a very minute market share and can be found mostly as a blend in Arabica or Robusta coffees. However, things are changing and many growers are experimenting Excelsa plant has the potential to be more resilient to climate change and diseases compared to arabica coffee. It can tolerate higher temperatures and a wider range of rainfall.
Also the roasters and coffee enthusiasts are experimenting with different roasting methods and levels along with brewing techniques to find the best flavours and notes for this coffee to be offered individually to the coffee lovers of the world.
Overall, Excelsa coffee plants share some common traits with other Coffea liberica varieties, such as their size and resistance. However, it is the unique flavor profile that make Excelsa coffee distinct and sought after by coffee enthusiasts looking for a different taste experience.
