What is Cascara?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on July 8th, 2022

While it is obvious to many what coffee is today, we thought it is wise to share some knowledge about cascara. So what is cascara?


Also known as coffee cherry tea, cascara is the husk or skin surrounding the coffee fruit (cherry). The seeds (aka the beans) inside the cherry are roasted after the skin is removed. Traditionally, cascara was popular for its medicinal value. For example, it was best known for healing sores, swelling, internal strains, constipation, and headaches.

What is Cascara?

What does cascara taste like?

Raw cascara cherries straight from the plant are edible but not so incredible. They can be processed into a healthy dietary supplement or cascara tea, also known as cascara sagrada. So if you don’t’ like how they taste when raw, try the supplement version. We recommend you talk with your doctor beforehand as cascara tea may not be healthy for all to consume.

Cascara’s profile is more similar to tea than coffee. Its fruity, floral flavor resembles rose hips, red currant, mango, hibiscus flower, and sometimes even a tobacco hint. It can also be made into sodas, beer, teas, syrups, and vodka. Some people have also described it as having a cherry-brown sugar-like flavor.

How is cascara used at Starbucks?

Before Starbucks discovered a new and improved way of using their coffee husks, they used them as fertilizer. In 2017 they found they could add it to their coffee, and Starbucks Cascara latte emerged as the first official drink.

It was made up of steamed milk, espresso, and cascara syrup and was topped with velvety microfoam. A sprinkle of cascara topping, made with cane sugar and cascara extract, was the signature straight line that completed this new eco-friendly beverage.

Can you enjoy the cascara cold?

Yes, you can consume your coffee, either cold or hot. It is the same as other teas, just that it takes longer to make the cold version. 

To prepare the cold version, you need 24 hours and around ½ cup of cascara coffee cherries to every 4 ¼ cups of water. If you love hot cascara tea, here is a video of how to make it. 

Does cascara have caffeine?

Yes, it is caffeinated. The coffee cherry pulp contains a considerable amount of caffeine and phenolic compounds. That means cascara has caffeine and is rich in antioxidants. But how much caffeine does it have? It is similar to black tea in levels of caffeine. Compared to coffee, it has around ¼ of the caffeine as the usual coffee. 

Origin of cascara

Coffee beans come from Ethiopia. Here coffee husks are made into a tea called Hashar or Geshar and are roasted almost black. The husks are then infused in water for a longer period for the intense fruity flavor.

A different approach to brewing cascara emerged when coffee beans migrated to South America. Bolivians here are the major consumers of cascara and refer to it as Sultana. The cascara cherry fruit is sun-dried and then lightly toasted like coffee by coffee roasters. From there, the dried fruit skins are grounded into a loose-leaf tea ready to be brewed.

  • Add some hot water and steep with clove, cinnamon, and sugar to brew. 
  • Wait for 4-8 minutes (the longer you wait, the stronger your brew will be)  
  • Enjoy (you will taste notes of cherries in your sweet cup of tea)

In Yemen, cascara tea is called Qishr: a tea made with cinnamon, coffee cherry husks, ginger, or caraway.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about cascara, why not try it and add some antioxidants and a little cherry flavor to your cup? We can/t wait to hear about your experience!

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.