What is Cascara - and is it really coffee?
Preparing cascara is simpler than many think: the dried coffee cherry is brewed like a mild, fruity tea – hot or cold. Here you will learn what cascara is, how it tastes, and how to best extract it.
What is Cascara - and is it really coffee?
Cascara is the dried fruit husk of the coffee cherry. Unlike coffee, it's not the bean but the fruit husk that is brewed – which is why it's often referred to as “Cascara Tea”. The drink is light, tea-like, and made from a byproduct of coffee processing, which is now specifically produced to specialty quality.
Taste & Aroma: How does Cascara taste compared to coffee and tea?
Expect more iced tea vibes than espresso power. Typical notes:
- Honey, red fruits, apple, rosehip, citrus
- Gentle sweetness, low bitterness, light tea tannins
- Depending on origin: floral accents or dried fruit
Preparing Cascara (hot & cold): Basic Recipe and Variations
Basic recipe (Cascara recipe) for 300 ml:
- 10 g Cascara (coarse, whole cherry husks)
- Fresh water
Hot brew: Water at 90-95 °C, 10 g per 300 ml, steep for 4-6 minutes, strain. Optional: lemon, honey, or a few ice cubes.
Cold Brew: 10-12 g per 300 ml cold water, steep in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours, strain and enjoy over ice.
Variations:
- Citrus zest or a splash of lime for more freshness
- Spicy: piece of ginger, cinnamon stick, or cardamom
- Sparkling: extend Cold Brew Cascara with tonic or soda water
Cold Brew Cascara vs. hot brew: steeping time, temperature, dosage
- Hot: 90-95 °C, 10 g/300 ml, 4-6 min., clear and fragrant
- Cold Brew: 10-12 g/300 ml, 8-12 hrs cold, juicy and particularly mild
- Tip: If bitter, steep for a shorter time or choose slightly coarser material
Caffeine, Effect & Tolerability: What you can expect
Cascara contains caffeine ("cascara caffeine"), usually less than filter coffee, but noticeable – depending on the variety, processing, and dosage. For sensitive individuals: use a lower dose, steep for a shorter time. Effect: gently stimulating, without a heavy mouthfeel.
Sustainability & Origin: Byproduct or Premium Product?
Traditionally a byproduct, now independently selected in Specialty: ripe cherries, clean drying (raised beds, good air circulation), careful sorting. This creates quality that enables producers additional income – with transparent origin and fair structures.
Buying Guide: What to look for in quality, processing, and storage
- Transparency: Farm/cooperative, harvest year, processing (natural/washed)
- Sensory: Fragrant-fruity, no musty or fermenty-sour notes
- Appearance/Hygiene: Cleanly dried, free from mold and foreign particles
- Storage: Airtight, cool, dark; consume quickly after opening (3-6 months)
- Brewing water: Soft to medium, fresh - this enhances sweetness
- For "buying cascara": look for specialty transparency and small batches
Common mistakes in preparation (and how to avoid them)
- Too little material: use 10 g/300 ml as a starting point
- Rolling boil: prefer 90-95 °C instead of 100 °C
- Too long steeping time: leads to bitterness - strain in time
- Dust/fines: briefly blow/shake out coarsely beforehand, filter finely
- Weak water: with good filtered water, it becomes clearer and sweeter
FAQ
Is Cascara coffee or tea?
Cascara is a tea made from dried coffee cherries - so not from the beans, but from the fruit husk. It can be prepared cold or warm: 10 g coffee cherries per 300 ml water. The taste is light and fruity - sweet notes of honey and citrus, often similar to iced tea.
Does Cascara have caffeine?
Yes, cascara usually contains caffeine, often less than filter coffee, but noticeable depending on origin, harvest, and dosage. The exact amount varies greatly - for sensitive individuals, dose lower.
How do I recognize high-quality Cascara?
Look for clear origin (farm/cooperative), clean processing (e.g., washed/natural with hygienic drying), a fresh aroma without musty notes, and specialty transparency regarding harvest year and storage.
Read more: Water quality in brewing, the influence of processing on taste, and food pairings for fruity hot and cold beverages.
