A new coffee venture in San Diego is making waves by introducing excelsa, a lesser-known coffee species. Unlike arabica or robusta, excelsa boasts distinct characteristics such as lower bitterness and caffeine content. The Excelsa Cafe, located in Ocean Beach, serves as both a tasting venue and an experimental hub for this innovative coffee type.

The cafe is part of a broader mission to cultivate awareness about excelsa. This includes farming efforts in Nicaragua and the establishment of a global nonprofit network dedicated to advancing excelsa production. With its unique flavor profile and resilience to harsh conditions, excelsa offers promising opportunities for farmers worldwide.

Introducing Excelsa: A Distinct Coffee Experience

Excelsa Coffee Company has embarked on a journey to promote excelsa, a variety of the liberica species that stands out due to its distinct taste and growing conditions. At the heart of this initiative lies the Excelsa Cafe in Ocean Beach, where visitors can sample hot and cold brews crafted with care. The cafe not only serves coffee but also educates customers about the origins and potential of this remarkable bean.

This species, native to parts of Africa and commercially grown in regions like Vietnam and the Philippines, presents a fresh alternative to traditional coffee options. Its resistance to heat and pests makes it suitable for cultivation in areas unsuitable for other coffee types. Through partnerships and research, Excelsa Coffee aims to enhance the quality and availability of excelsa beans globally. Their Nicaraguan farm serves as a testbed for these ambitions, while they explore sourcing opportunities in South Sudan and beyond.

Pioneering a Global Movement for Excelsa

To support the growth of the excelsa industry, Excelsa Coffee founded the International Excelsa Coffee Organization (IECO). This nonprofit focuses on developing protocols and resources essential for successful excelsa cultivation. By fostering collaboration among farmers worldwide, IECO seeks to establish best practices and share knowledge across borders.

Co-founders Olin Patterson and Michael Mazzotta envision excelsa as a sustainable crop option for farmers, filling a niche in the consumer market. They emphasize the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of this coffee species. The Excelsa Cafe plays a pivotal role in gathering customer feedback, which informs ongoing research and development efforts. Visitors are encouraged to engage deeply with the story behind each cup, contributing to the evolving narrative of excelsa's place in the global coffee landscape.