Excelsa Coffee Strain Continues To Attract Growing Interest As A Climate-Resistant Alternative – CoffeeTalk

Research has shown that the top two coffee species, Arabica and Robusta, are vulnerable to climate impacts like increased drought and heat. By 2050, as much as half of coffee-producing land could no longer be suitable for these top species. However, there is a glimmer of hope for coffee addicts and farmers who depend on growing coffee for their livelihoods. Living on Earth’s Sophia Pandelidis reports that excitement is brewing over a climate resilient bean called excelsa.

Excelsa, a climate-resistant bean, has been growing in popularity among coffee addicts and farmers who depend on growing coffee for their livelihoods. Komal Sable, who runs a fifth-generation, 70-acre coffee farm in Coorg, India, and her husband, Akshay Dashrath, heads the South India Coffee Company, which sources specialty beans from local Indian farms and distributes them worldwide. Excelsa plants produce beans that can be processed into coffee like Arabica and Robusta, but it has flown under the radar on most Indian farms, where it is typically planted to mark borders and stock the family pantry.

Excelsa has suffered from coffee wilt disease at times, perhaps making some farmers skeptical of its commercial value. However, climate change is pushing Komal and her team to see this plant in a new light. They noticed that extreme events like heavy rain and drought had little effect on excelsa. They found that even if the Arabica or Robusta suffered due to climate change, excelsa would always give them a medium crop without any intervention.

Excelsa is built to withstand climate shocks due to its extremely strong plants, deep roots, and large, thick leaves. These features make the coffee species a prime candidate for climate resiliency. Excelsa plants resemble trees and tend to be larger than shrub-like Arabica and Robusta, reaching heights of up to 40 feet. This size has an upside, as bigger plants need more space, leaving room for other crops to grow among them and take advantage of the shade they provide.

Agroforestry, where a variety of crops are planted together with trees, is a traditional system used in India that should be celebrated. It keeps the diversity alive by promoting nutrient recycling in exhausted soil and naturally restoring land. Excelsa coffee, a climate-smart and regenerative crop, is now produced in pockets of Indonesia, Vietnam, Guinea, South Sudan, and Uganda. Dr. Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, is working with Komal and other farmers to conduct research on excelsa coffee and bring it to the global market.

Excelsa coffee is a tiny percentage of the global market, with less than 1% of the total production compared to Arabica and Robusta. However, Dr. Davis believes that climate change could force farmers towards excelsa. He believes that its success will depend on the failure of Arabica and Robusta.

Consumers could also start preferring excelsa all on their own. Currently, specialty roasters looking for a niche flavor profile are excelsa’s top customers. However, this might change as more people get a chance to taste test.

In India, Komal is preparing for excelsa’s future by expanding to different plots of lands and working with various farms. People are definitely interested in planting more Excelsa, and it may not be long before consumers start sipping it themselves. The South India Coffee Company is working with various farms to expand the market and attract more consumers to try this unique and delicious coffee.

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