Cascara
Cascara, (a spanish term meaning husk or peel), refers to the dried outer layer and pulp of the coffee cherry, the fruit part of the coffee plant.
Once harvested, the coffee cherry is split into two primary components during or post drying: the beans for coffee production and the pulp.
The pulp, named Cascara, is predominantly used to brew an infusion similar to tea, acting more as a coffee alternative, containing caffeine.
Caffeine levels are similar to tea - the drink is sometimes referred to as coffee cherry tea.
Traditional Hot Brew
Ratio and Ingredients: A standard ratio is about 18 grams of cascara to 250 ml of water. Adjust according to taste preference.
Boiling Water: Heat water to around 200°F (93°C). This temperature is ideal for extracting the cascara’s flavors without bitterness.
Steeping: Add cascara to the hot water. Let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Steeping time can be adjusted for a weaker or stronger brew.
Straining: Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the husks from the liquid. This ensures a smooth, debris-free drink.
Serving: Enjoy hot. Cascara tea has a sweet, fruity taste with notes of cherry, rosehip, and hibiscus.
Cold Brew Cascara
Cold Water Steeping: Mix cascara with cold water in a jar or pitcher. The recommended ratio is higher than the hot brew (try 35 grams of cascara), but you can adjust to taste.
Refrigeration: Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor.
Straining: Strain the mixture to remove the husks.
Serving: Serve over ice. Cold brew cascara is refreshing, with a subtler flavor profile compared to the hot brew.
Tips for Enhancing Flavor
Sweeteners: Cascara naturally has a slight sweetness, but you can add honey, sugar, or stevia if desired.
Spices: Experiment with cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for a spiced variant.
Citrus Zest: A touch of lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing twist.
Caffeine amounts
This can vary significantly depending origin of the coffee cherry, and brew method. One of the most cited sources shows caffeine in the ready-to-drink Cascara is 226 mg / L. Other sources show caffeine in the dried cascara husks is about 0.2%. This equates to around 36 mg of caffeine in the suggested 18 gram dose (in the above recipe).
Where to buy
(as of 18:26 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
(as of 18:26 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
(as of 18:26 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ingredients in Cascara
Coffee Cherry Husk.Is Cascara high in caffeine?
Cascara contains 36 mg of caffeine in a 8 fl oz cup.
This equates to 4.50 mg of caffeine for every fl oz and 15.22 mg for every 100 ml.
Sources
Heeger, A., Kosińska-Cagnazzo, A., Cantergiani, E., & Andlauer, W. (2017). Bioactives of coffee cherry pulp and its utilisation for production of Cascara beverage. Food Chemistry, 221, 969-975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.11.067 See other references.Next
