The Enigmatic Excelsa: Unveiling the Rare and Resilient Coffee Bean
worldreview1989 -In the vast and varied world of coffee, two species dominate the market and consumer consciousness: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). However, for the truly adventurous and discerning palate, a third, more enigmatic variety exists, often overshadowed but brimming with unique character: Excelsa coffee. Once categorized as its own species, Coffea dewevrei, it is now botanically classified as a variety of Coffea liberica (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei). Despite its small share of the global market—less than 1%—Excelsa is gaining recognition not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its remarkable resilience, making it a potentially vital player in the future of coffee amidst a changing climate.
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| The Enigmatic Excelsa: Unveiling the Rare and Resilient Coffee Bean |
A History of Discovery and Reclassification
Excelsa first made its debut in the coffee world in 1903, discovered near Lake Chad in West Central Africa. Its hardiness and productive nature quickly led to its introduction to other growing regions, primarily in Southeast Asia. Today, it is predominantly farmed in countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, with its ancestral roots in parts of Africa, including South Sudan and Uganda.
For over a century, Excelsa was recognized as a distinct species, Coffea dewevrei. This changed in 2006 when, following genetic and morphological studies, British botanist Aaron P. Davis reclassified it as a variety of the closely related Coffea liberica. While they share genetic ties and some similar growing characteristics—such as a large tree structure—Excelsa maintains a unique and unmistakable profile that sets it apart from its Liberica sibling.
The Tree That Towers: Cultivation and Resilience
One of the most immediate differentiators of the Excelsa plant is its striking, tree-like stature. Unlike the often-pruned, shrub-like growth of Arabica and Robusta, Excelsa trees can reach impressive heights of up to 15 meters (nearly 50 feet) if left untended. This vertical growth, while demanding more specialized harvesting methods, contributes significantly to the bean’s resilience.
Excelsa is a remarkably hardy coffee species. It possesses deep, strong roots and thick, leathery leaves that allow it to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions where other coffee varieties would falter.
Drought and Heat Tolerance: Excelsa exhibits a superior ability to withstand high temperatures and long dry spells, a critical trait as global warming threatens traditional coffee-growing regions.
Disease Resistance: It shows resistance to many common coffee pests and diseases, offering a robust alternative for farmers struggling with issues like Coffee Leaf Rust.
Altitude Versatility: While often cultivated at mid-altitudes (around 1,000 to 1,300 meters), its hardiness allows for a broader range of growing conditions.
The bean itself is physically distinctive. Excelsa beans are typically smaller and rounder than the elongated Arabica or oval Robusta. This unique silhouette is a visual hint of the complex experience it offers.
The Flavor Profile: Tart, Fruity, and Full-Bodied
The most captivating aspect of Excelsa coffee is its distinctive and complex flavor profile. It is often described as a full-bodied coffee that affects the middle and back palate, providing a rich, lingering finish. The taste is a remarkable bridge between the mildness of Arabica and the earthiness of Robusta, yet entirely its own.
Key flavor notes frequently cited by tasters include:
Tart and Fruity: A signature characteristic is a noticeable tartness, often reminiscent of dark or dried fruits like cherry, raspberry, or prune.
Dark and Rich Undertones: Beneath the fruitiness, one can often find hints of dark chocolate, hazelnut, or molasses.
Aroma: The aroma is typically pungent and woody, often described as having an exotic or almost smoky complexity.
Body and Acidity: Excelsa offers a smooth, full body that is less bitter than many Robusta strains. Its unique acidity is what lends it the distinctive tart, fruity notes.
In blends, Excelsa is highly valued for its ability to add depth and dimension. A small percentage can transform a blend, introducing exotic complexity and boosting the perceived richness of the coffee without overwhelming the primary flavor of the Arabica or Robusta base.
The Future Role of Excelsa
While Excelsa currently represents a niche market, its importance is growing exponentially as the coffee industry grapples with the global climate crisis.
Climate Change Mitigation: The unparalleled resilience of the Excelsa tree—its ability to thrive in extreme heat, drought, and on challenging terrain—positions it as a critical crop for coffee-producing communities facing environmental shifts.
Genetic Diversity: Relying on just two primary species (Arabica and Robusta) makes the global coffee supply chain vulnerable. Promoting and scaling up Excelsa cultivation increases the genetic diversity of farmed coffee, providing a safeguard against widespread disease or environmental catastrophe.
Economic Opportunity: For local communities, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, Excelsa provides an opportunity for increased financial independence. Its ability to grow where other coffees cannot means less competition and a potential premium price for a rare, specialty bean.
The challenge now lies in scaling up production and increasing consumer awareness. Farmers need support to manage the tall, labor-intensive trees, and the international coffee market must be educated on the bean's unique characteristics and value.
Conclusion
Excelsa coffee is more than just a footnote in the history of coffee; it is a captivating, flavorful, and profoundly important piece of the puzzle for coffee’s future. From its towering presence in the field to its unique tart and fruity complexity in the cup, the enigmatic Excelsa offers coffee lovers an exploration into rare taste and provides the global coffee industry with a much-needed injection of resilience and diversity. As the world searches for sustainable solutions, the once-forgotten Excelsa bean is finally stepping into the spotlight it deserves.