From Coffee to Cascara: Exploring the Fruity, Low-Caffeine Side of Coffee Cherries

Have You Heard About Cascara?

Did you know that coffee is actually a fruit? While we’re all familiar with the bold, roasted flavors of coffee, it’s easy to forget that the beloved coffee bean is actually the seed of a fruit called the coffee cherry. Nestled inside these vibrant red cherries, coffee beans are harvested, processed, and turned into the brew we know and love. But what happens to the rest of the cherry?

Enter cascara, the hidden treasure of the coffee world—a delicious and sustainable beverage made from the dried husks of the coffee cherry.

What Is Cascara Tea?

Cascara tea is an infusion made from the dried coffee cherry. Technically, it’s not a tea but a fruit tisane. Its name comes from the Spanish word cáscara, meaning “husk” or “peel.”

When coffee cherries are harvested, the beans are extracted, and traditionally, the rest of the cherry would go to waste. Processing the husks into high-quality cascara tea can be a challenge for farmers, as it requires careful drying and moisture monitoring to preserve the delicate flavors. However, when done correctly, these husks create a unique, flavorful drink that’s sweet, fruity, and naturally energizing.

A Tale of Two Origins

Cascara tea has deep roots in coffee-growing regions:

Bolivia: Known as Sultana, it’s often brewed with cinnamon sticks to make a drink referred to as “poor man’s coffee.”

Ethiopia and Yemen: Here, it’s called Qishr and commonly brewed with cinnamon and ginger, offering a warming and spiced alternative to coffee.

Why Drink Cascara Tea?

Low Caffeine, Big Benefits

Cascara contains about 1/4 the caffeine of coffee, making it perfect for those seeking a gentle energy boost without the jitters. It’s also a great option for anyone sensitive to caffeine or needing to cut back, such as pregnant individuals or those experiencing insomnia.

A Sustainable Sip

By repurposing coffee husks that might otherwise be discarded, cascara tea supports a more sustainable coffee industry. Every cup you drink helps reduce waste and makes better use of this precious resource.

Flavorful and Versatile

Cascara tea is naturally sweet with notes of dried fruit, hibiscus, and a hint of spice. You can enjoy it hot, iced, or even as a base for creative cocktails.

How Is Cascara Made?

At the farm level, cascara destined for tea is carefully processed. Farmers must overcome the challenge of drying the husks properly, as moisture levels need to be meticulously monitored to ensure the best quality. This attention to detail results in a premium brew that’s both delicious and sustainable.

Cascara - Dried coffee cherry husk.

Caffeine and Coffee—A Quick Overview

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that promotes alertness and focus. While most people can enjoy three to four cups a day (adding up to 300-400 mg of caffeine) without issue, those sensitive to caffeine or pregnant should be mindful of their intake. For example, the NHS recommends that pregnant women consume no more than 200mg of caffeine per day, roughly the equivalent of two small cups of coffee or less than Costa cappuccino (325mg)

Since cascara tea has much lower caffeine levels, it’s a fantastic alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake without sacrificing flavor or their morning ritual.

Experience the Magic of Cascara

Cascara tea is more than just a drink—it’s a story of sustainability, history, and innovation. Farmers who work hard to carefully process the coffee husks are giving this humble byproduct a second life, transforming it into something truly special.

Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for something new to try, cascara offers a delicious and environmentally friendly way to explore the world of coffee in a whole new light.

So why brewjump to our eshop today and brew a cup of cascara? It’s a taste of coffee’s past, present, and future—all in one fruity, flavorful sip.