What is Cascara?

by Krystal Hernandez

What’s Cascara?

Cascara, is Spanish for “husk,” “peel” or “skin”, these are dried skins of coffee cherries. The process is done in a Mill such as Bella Vista (a wet and dry mill) in Guatemala. After reaping the cherries, the coffee is separated by lots (day of picking, variety, altitude). Then it goes through the whole process of depulping, fermentation, washing and the drying process. For cascara, the coffee is washed with clean water and de-pulped in a separated de-pulper and rinsed. In the greenhouse the cascara is dried in raised beds. It takes several months for it to mature. It appears dark red when it is ready. Once the cascara is dried, it is hand-sorted at the mill. It is a rigorous process, but this is how the producers assure the best quality in this product. As it is a by-product of the coffee process, the Cascara Tea is truly an eco-friendly drink.

Our Guatemala Cascara (coffee cherry) Tea offers a sweet fusion flavor of tropical fruits, cherry and syrup. Flavor notes of cherry, citrus orange and tamarind. Just like coffee beans, the taste of the cascara is based on where it is grown and the varietal.

The Benefits of Drinking Cascara Tea:

1. To provide a great source of antioxidants.
Found in different foods we commonly refer to as “superfoods,” antioxidants are vital to your body’s immune system and overall health. Their properties are known to protect delicate cells and cell membranes as well as reduce inflammation. And while fruits like pomegranates, blueberries, and cranberries are all known to contain high amounts of antioxidants, some people believe that cascara coffee cherries may beat them all! Reports show that cascara has a higher density of antioxidants, which means cascara tea may actually be a great source for one of the most important elements of the body.



2. To promote energy naturally.
In many ways, cascara is the perfect balance between coffee and tea. While it's sweeter, fruity flavor definitely tastes different from the acidity taste of coffee, the fact that it comes from coffee beans – or in fact makes them – means that it’s caffeine structure is similar, just less. Studies show that cascara tea has about one quarter of the caffeine content compared to a regular cup of coffee. That means that if you’re feeling tired in the afternoon, but worried what might happen if you drink a cup of coffee too close to bedtime, cascara tea might be just what you need. Rather than drinking a sugary soda or processed energy drink, you can brew a fresh pot of cascara tea for instant energy support that won’t keep you up all night or make you even more tired when you crash from your sugar high.



3. To promote mental health and clarity.
While the high antioxidant content of cascara tea may help support your immune system, these little coffee husks can also promote your mental health. According to the British Journal of Nutrition, cascara coffee cherries support brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an element that is vital for the brain’s clarity and ability to preserve memory functions. In fact, the study goes on to report that higher BDNF levels as supported by cascara may promote healthy aging of the brain, memory, and even feelings of goodwill and happiness. All that from one little cherry!


Cascara cherries come dried, so all you’ll have to do is steep them like you would a normal cup of tea. Also similar to other teas, the longer you steep your cascara tea, the stronger it will be. The best way to discover your favorite cascara tea recipe is simply to experiment. Your perfect cup will be unique to you!

BREWING GUIDE:
Cascara Tea - Steep Instructions

AMOUNT 12 g

WATER 12 oz

TIME 4 MINUTES 


The Toddy brewer is also ideal for making tea - served hot or over ice.

Cascara Tea  can also be made with a French Press, a Chemex or any other brewing device you have. Pour water over the cascara, stir and let it steep for 4 minute. Stir again and sit for 4 more minutes.  Use a strainer when pouring. Enjoy.

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