Excelsa coffee beans offers a unique taste with sweet fruit and earthy notes. Whether it’s the best bean depends on your taste preferences and willingness to explore specific coffee profiles.
If you are a coffee drinker, you must have encountered many beans. You may have encountered Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Congolese Peaberry, but have you ever encountered Excelsa coffee? The following bean differs from the typical Arabica and Robusta types of coffee beans.
It has an extraordinary taste, which makes it easily identifiable. Most Excelsa coffee is produced in Southeast Asia. It is sweet, fruity, and acidic and layered to be spicy or woody simultaneously. This is not your ordinary coffee bean; it is an experience you can get from Excelsa.
Excelsa is an excellent cup for every palate, whether you enjoy a robust and powerful cup or a smooth, delicate one. But is it the best bean for you? It is entirely up to your preference. In this post, we will discuss what makes Excelsa coffee unique. You will learn how it differs from the other beans and whether it suits your morning coffee.
What Are Excelsa Coffee Beans?
Excelsa coffee beans are a particular type of beans that are not easily found in the market. They are similar in many aspects to Liberica beans but have significant differences. Excelsa beans are mainly produced in Southeast Asia. They are tiny and round compared to most coffee beans, though they are medium in size.
The Excelsa coffee taste is more complex. It is sour and sweet with additional depth that may hint towards a smoky or woody profile. This makes it different from the more frequent Arabica or Robusta beans kind of coffee. Another exciting aspect is the aroma of coffee Excelsa. It has a potent smell of fruit that can complement the taste of coffee in a very peculiar way.
These beans are primarily utilized in blends to provide extra flavor and complexity. However, they can also be enjoyed individually. Learning the various aspects of Excelsa coffee allows you to see why it’s exceptional in coffee.
History and Origins of Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa coffee beans have an unusual and wealthy background and can be traced back to their origin. They were first identified in 1903 in Central Africa, in Lake Chad. In the beginning, Excelsa was considered a species of coffee on its own. It was classified as Coffea deserves. Its small, round beans were classified as Liberica, but a recent study classified it as deserves.
But in 2006, botanists classified it as a variety of Liberica species. This led to confusion in the coffee world since Excelsa was confused for Liberica, although it has an entirely different taste. Today, it is grown mainly in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and the Philippines, as the Excelsa beans.
The climate of this region is particularly suitable for these hardy beans. Farmers in these areas adopt Excelsa because it is not prone to attacks from pests and diseases, thus making it a stable crop. However, despite its advantages, Excelsa is still less popular than Arabica or Robusta. However, its taste, which is different from regular coffee, is gradually receiving attention from coffee drinkers.
The taste of Excelsa coffee is unique, with a whole body, fruit, and tart flavors. Its smoothness and appealing flavor make it a valuable addition to coffee blends, especially for those looking for something different. Understanding the origins of Excelsa coffee helps explain why this rare coffee bean is slowly gaining a foothold in the global coffee market.
Varieties of Excelsa Coffee Beans
While Excelsa beans are unique coffee beans, they can have variations depending on their cultivation and processing that coffee enthusiasts can try.
1. Single-Origin Excelsa
Single-origin coffee refers to coffee harvested from one region or farm only. It is a type of coffee that brings out regional differentiation in the production area. The nature of the soil, the climate, and how the beans are grown also influence the specific taste of the coffee. Single-origin coffee from Excelsa is best enjoyed because its taste is pure and loyal to the bulk taste of the region.
2. Multi-Origin Blends
Finally, used in multi-origin blends, Excelsa beans from different origins. Multi-origin blends are blends with beans from at least three different geographical zones. It also allows them to create diverse layers of flavor, which might not be possible when using only one style.
For example, a blend might combine Southeast Asian beans with African ones to create a delicious cup that is both fruity and rich. Multi-origin blends suit those who like coffee’s complex and balanced taste.
3. Micro lots
Microlots are small batches of high-quality Excelsa coffee produced from one farm. These beans are usually grown and processed more carefully, possibly explaining why their flavor is much more enhanced. Microlot coffees are highly differentiated since they are sold in tiny quantities compared to Specialty coffee. The taste is more robust and refined, accurately reflecting the high farming and processing standards.
How Do Excelsa Coffee Beans Taste?
Excelsa coffee beans are exotic and present a complex flavor profile. This unique Excelsa coffee bean flavor profile can be described in the following aspects.
Flavor Profile
The Excelsa differs in that it has a solid and rich coffee taste. This coffee is characterized by the fruit-like sweet and somewhat sour taste of berries, such as raspberry-dried figs. Specific individuals also notice cocoa and raw sugar notes, giving it a sweet and slightly spicy finish.
Body and Acidity
The body of the Excelsa ce is often entire and smooth, with a creamy structure. The acid notes could be sharper, and their role is to give a good balance without being extremely bitter. Together, these factors create a delicious and enjoyable cup of coffee.
Overall Experience
Excelsa coffee possesses a unique taste and may not go well with most people’s palates. Its musky, fruity, sweet, and delicate, spicy tones give an extraordinary experience that people will never forget. As a single-origin coffee or a mixed one with other beans, Excelsa coffee provides an excellent taste experience.
Factors Influencing Flavor and Aroma of Excelsa Coffee Beans
The aspects explained below influence Excelsa coffee’s aroma and flavor. Knowing these is essential because it helps you consider all facets of your coffee.
Origin
The region where Excelsa coffee is produced as a type influences its taste and fragrance. The nature of the soil in which the beans are grown, the altitude, and the climatic conditions in the region where the beans are grown influence the taste of the beans. For example, Vietnamese beans may be rich with fruity, while Philippine beans can be more robust, earthy, and smoked. The excelsa coffee origin defines the fundamentals of the bean and its features.
Processing Methods
The way excelsa beans are processed after harvest significantly affects their flavor. There are three main modes of operation: wet, dry, and honey.
- Wet Processing: This includes rinsing the beans to remove the fruit waste before drying. This method generally produces a cleaner, brighter flavor.
- Dry processing: Dry processing moisturizes the beans as they dry, giving them a rich, intense flavor.
- Honey Processing: The honeycomb combines both, leaving some honey for a balanced sweetness that marries sweetness and acidity.
- Honey Processing: The honeycomb combines both, leaving some honey for a balanced sweetness that marries sweetness and acidity.
Roasting Level
The roasting process is crucial in determining the final taste and aroma of Excelsa coffee.
- Light Roasts: Light Roasts preserve the beans’ original flavor, highlighting their unique initial characteristics with more excellent acidity and delicate flavors.
- Medium Roasts: Medium roasts give a balanced profile, with medium acidity and well-rounded flavors.
- Dry Roast: The darker roasts provide a deeper, fuller flavor, often masking bean origins but adding a firmer body and a more pronounced bitterness or smokiness
Brewing Method
The way you brew your Excelsa coffee affects the taste and aroma. Techniques like pour-over or French press can highlight different aspects of a coffee, from its acidity to its body and aroma.
How Can You Find the Perfect Excelsa Coffee Beans?
Selecting the best Excelsa coffee blend is an individual process. Finding a better ratio that meets your preferences or taste buds may take considerable time. Here are a few tips to help you find your ideal match:
- Check the Label: Look for notes indicating whether the coffee is single-origin, multi-origin, or micro lots. This will give you a clue about the flavor profile and origin of the coffee.
- Stay Open-Minded: Experiment with different varieties and blends. Keep trying until you find one that excites your palate.
- Understand Your Preferences: If you enjoy bolder or earthier flavors, opt for blends from regions like Colombia or Brazil.
- Taste Thoughtfully: Swirl the coffee in your mouth to fully experience its flavor notes.
Enjoy finding your perfect blend—each cup is a new adventure!
Final Thoughts
Excelsa coffee beans offer coffee lovers a unique and exciting experience. Their unique blend of sweet, fruity, and earthy flavors stands out from conventional Arabica robusta varieties. Whether enjoyed alone or blended with other beans, Excelsa coffee offers a complex flat profile that ranges from tart and spicy to mild and sweet.
Understanding its original variety, ns, and flavor effects can help you know what makes this bean unique. While it may not suit everyone’s palate, those looking for an exceptional coffee experience will find Excelsa a hidden gem worth exploring.