Excelsa coffee, while not as popular as other coffee varieties like Arabica or Robusta, has its own unique qualities that make it appealing to true coffee connoisseurs. This type of coffee is often considered a mysterious variety due to its distinctive aroma and flavor, which distinguish it from other coffee varieties.
In this article, we will discuss in depth what Excelsa coffee is, from its origins to its unique taste.
The Origins of Excelsa Coffee
Excelsa coffee is a coffee variety belonging to the Coffea liberica family , although it is often confused with other coffee varieties, such as Arabica or Robusta, due to its distinct flavor. The name Excelsa itself is derived from the Latin word for "high" or "superior," reflecting its prominent qualities in the coffee world.
Botanically, this coffee comes from the Coffea liberica species , which has larger beans than Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. This coffee tree grows taller and can reach up to 15 meters in the wild.
Excelsa beans are typically larger and more irregular in shape than other coffee varieties. They are darker in color and coarser in texture, imparting a more complex flavor.
Also read: Types of Coffee Beans and Their Characteristics
Excelsa Coffee Taste Characteristics
One of the reasons this coffee is so popular among coffee lovers is its unique flavor. Overall, this coffee has a very distinctive taste that's hard to compare with other coffees.
The taste of Excelsa can vary depending on the processing method and place of origin, but there are some flavor characteristics that are often found in Excelsa coffee.
1. Strong and Complex Aroma
Excelsa coffee is known for its strong, slightly sharp aroma. This aroma creates a fresh and aromatic taste that is tantalizing.
For those who enjoy an intense coffee aroma, Excelsa coffee is the perfect choice. When brewed, this coffee's aroma can be reminiscent of tropical fruits and spices, with a hint of alluring sweetness.
2. Fruity and Sour Flavor
Excelsa coffee often has a distinctive fruity flavor, with bright, refreshing acidity. Some coffee connoisseurs describe it as tasting like grapes, green apples, or even tropical fruits like pineapple.
The acidity in this coffee is not as sharp as Robusta coffee, but provides a refreshing, balanced sensation on the tongue.
3. A Touch of Spice and Sweetness
In addition to fruity flavors, these coffees also often have a touch of spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, which add an added dimension to the overall taste. Sometimes, there is also a natural sweet taste that appears, such as caramel or chocolate, which gives softness to this coffee.
4. Smoky and Smokey Flavor
Some darker-roasted Excelsa coffees can have a smoky undertone, giving the coffee greater depth. This adds a complexity to the flavor that some people really appreciate, especially those who enjoy coffee with a strong character and a slight burn.
Excelsa Coffee Processing Method
Excelsa coffee, like most coffees, goes through several processing stages that can affect the final flavor. The processing methods used can vary depending on the region or country where the coffee is grown.
There are several processing methods that are often applied, including:
1. Wet Method (Washed)
In the wet processing method, the coffee cherry skin is removed and the beans are washed to remove any remaining pulp. This method produces a cleaner, brighter coffee flavor.
Coffee processed this way usually has a more pronounced acidity and a stronger fruity aroma.
2. Dry Method (Natural)
In this method, the coffee beans are dried with the pulp. This results in a sweeter, richer coffee flavor, with a more intense fruity character.
Naturally processed coffee beans often have a more complex flavor and more fruity nuances.
3. Semi-Washed Method (Honey Process)
The semi-washed or honey process is a combination of the wet and dry methods. In this method, some of the pulp is left attached to the coffee beans during drying.
The result is a coffee with a sweeter and slightly heavier taste, providing more complex layers of flavor than either fully wet or dry processing.
Also read: 7 Types of Ground Coffee That Coffee Lovers Must Try
The Speciality of Excelsa Coffee
There are several reasons why Excelsa coffee holds a special place in the hearts of coffee connoisseurs. Here are some of Excelsa's special qualities:
1. Limited Availability
One reason Excelsa coffee isn't as popular is its limited production. Although it grows in several countries, the number of cultivated plants is relatively small compared to other coffee varieties like Arabica or Robusta.
2. A Taste That Cannot Be Imitated
As previously explained, this coffee's flavor is very unique and difficult to find in other coffee varieties. For those seeking a different flavor experience, Excelsa coffee is a very appealing choice.
This distinctive taste makes it a popular choice among coffee lovers who like to try new things and seek more exotic flavors.
3. Disease-Resistant Coffee Trees
Although less commonly cultivated, this coffee plant boasts excellent resistance to pests and diseases, making it easier to grow in a variety of climates, particularly in tropical regions.
With good resistance to pests, this plant can produce quality coffee beans even in more challenging environments.
4. Diversity of Taste
This coffee has a very broad flavor spectrum, with sharp fruit flavors, rich spices, and a tantalizing touch of sweetness. This makes it perfect for coffee connoisseurs who appreciate complexity and depth of flavor in every sip.
Excelsa Coffee in the Coffee Industry
Although Excelsa coffee is not as widely traded as Arabica or Robusta in the global trade, it has caught the attention of roasters and specialty coffee purveyors. Many independent roasters have begun incorporating Excelsa into their blends to add a unique dimension of flavor.
In Indonesia, although this coffee is still not widely available on the market, some coffee farmers have begun cultivating it in certain areas. With increasing awareness of specialty coffee, there is hope that Excelsa coffee will gain more attention in the future, especially given its unique flavor.
Conclusion
Excelsa coffee is a coffee variety with a unique flavor that sets it apart from other coffee varieties. While not as popular as Arabica or Robusta, it offers a more complex flavor experience with hints of fruit, spices, and a hint of sweetness.
Its distinctive flavor and strong aroma make it an attractive choice for coffee connoisseurs seeking something different. With its limited production and unique, inimitable flavor, Excelsa coffee holds a unique place in the world of specialty coffee.
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