Excelsa is a rare and highly regarded coffee variety. It was discovered in 1904 near Lake Chad in West Africa and belongs to the Liberica coffee species. Although the beans are about the size of Robusta beans, the growth and leaves of the tree resemble those of the Liberica coffee plant. Excelsa coffee accounts for only about 1% of the world's coffee production and is relatively unknown to the general population.
The coffee is grown exclusively in Chad, Africa, where the plant thrives in the harsh, dry conditions around Lake Chad. With its high heat resistance and low moisture tolerance, the Excelsa plant has adapted well to the dry and poor soils of the region.
Excelsa coffee plants are characterized by their impressive growth and can reach heights of up to 20 meters. They are exceptionally hardy and can survive in extremely dry areas with little rain, thanks to their deep reaching roots. Despite its limited cultivation, Excelsa coffee offers a unique flavor profile that is considered a delicacy by some. It has a strong, earthy flavor that results from aging in dry regions. The coffee is often blended with other varieties to balance its distinctive flavor. Excelsa coffee is not widely available in conventional supermarkets, but can be purchased at higher prices in specialty stores due to its rarity and low demand.
