Not Arabica.Not Robusta.Excelsa.
A Rare Coffee Species, Reintroduced.
A rare, flavor-forward, climate-resilient coffee with naturally lower caffeine. We source and supply exceptional Excelsa to roasters and cafés across the U.S.
Just want to brew it at home? Shop roasted coffee →
MADAM HƯƠNG · KHE SANH VALLEY, QUẢNG TRỊ, VIETNAM
- Green wholesale supply
- Multi-origin sourcing
- Species and roasting expertise
“The potential for Excelsa is more than theoretical.”
“With the specialty-coffee movement embracing diversity and sustainability, Excelsa could well be the next big thing.”
“Excelsa coffee offers a unique and complex flavor profile characterized by a blend of fruity, tart, and sometimes spicy notes, with a bright acidity and medium to full body.”
The coffee we grew up with is running out of land to grow on.
By 2050, half of the world's arabica-growing land could be unsuitable. Excelsa offers a climate-resilient path forward.
A distinct coffee species worth understanding.
Nearly all coffee comes from two species, Arabica and Robusta. Excelsa is a third. It isn't a substitute for either one. It's an additional species for roasters to explore, with its own growing habits, flavors, and roast behavior.
| Arabica | Robusta | Excelsa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Coffea arabica | Coffea canephora | Coffea excelsa |
| Plant | Shrub | Shrub | Tall tree |
| Grows best | High altitude, cool climate | Lowlands, hot climate | Lowlands, hot climate; tolerates drought |
| Typical flavor | Sweet, bright, floral | Bitter, earthy, heavy | Tart fruit, tamarind, dark cherry, spice |
| Caffeine (dry weight) | 1.2–1.5% | About 2–2.7% | 0.7–1.13%, about 30% less than Arabica |
| Share of world coffee | About 60% | About 40% | Under 1% |
Botanical identity
Native to Central Africa and grown today mainly in Southeast Asia. Botanists have long debated its classification though recent genomic studies suggest they behave as distinct species.
Growing conditions
Excelsa grows on tall trees at low altitude, often alongside other crops, and handles heat and dry spells better than Arabica. That makes it a practical crop for farmers in hot lowland regions.
Flavor varies by lot
Origin and processing change the cup a lot. Our Vietnam naturals lean toward jackfruit, fig, and tamarind; anaerobic microlots toward dark cherry, plum, and warm spice.
What it means for roasters
Excelsa behaves differently in the drum, so your Arabica profile is a starting point, not an answer. Roasters use it as a single origin, a seasonal feature, or a blend component.
Caffeine sources: Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC), Brazil, Excelsa germplasm collection (0.86–1.13%); published research from India (0.7–1.1%). Levels vary by genetics, origin, and growing conditions. We are testing our own lots.
Want the science? Research, studies, and sources on the Excelsa species.
Read Excelsa Studies →Green lots in stock, priced per pound.
Every lot is single-origin Excelsa held in our San Diego warehouse. Order a 5 lb trial bag or a 30 lb box online, or get a freight quote for 60 kg bags and pallets.
Quảng Trị Natural
Jackfruit, dried fig, tamarind, molasses. A dense, uniform lot for developing your own Excelsa profile. Coffee Review 90.
- 5 lb trial bag$8.40/lb
- 30 lb box, ships free$6.50/lb
- 60 kg GrainPro + freight~$4.50/lb
Mr. Quế & Madam Hương
Single-farm anaerobic naturals from Quảng Trị, hand-picked and slow-dried. Coffee Review 92 and 90.
- Mr. Quế, 30 lb box$12.50/lb
- Madam Hương, 30 lb box$15.50/lb
Roasted Excelsa
Whole bean, roasted in San Diego and ready to brew or retail: Vietnam, espresso, dark roast, and a seasonal blend.
- 35 lb box, ships free$10.00/lb
- 100 g samplesAvailable
ON THE GROUND AT ORIGIN
Only Single Origin Excelsa
We work directly with producers and keep our own team on the ground, so you can trace every lot to a place and a person.
Mr. Quế & Madam Hương
Mr. Quế farms the high slopes of Hương Phùng beside a national forest. Madam Hương grows shade coffee under tall Falcata trees in the Khe Sanh Valley.
Mindanao natural & honey lots
Between harvests now, with the next arrival expected spring 2027.
Yoyo Kusnadi, Sukawangi
Steel-drum anaerobic Excelsa from a single farm.
Windy NgoVietnam Sales & Origin
Dennis K. OngPhilippines Operations
Bring Excelsa to your roastery or cafe.
Tell us what you roast and we'll send green samples within 48 hours, with the roasting guide included.
Questions about wholesale? Talk to Maddie, our wholesale lead.
Brew Excelsa at home.
Roasted whole bean, ready to brew. A simple way to taste what Excelsa is, whether it's for your kitchen or before you source it for your café.
Shop roasted coffee →
From the field & the roastery
