What Is Cascara? The Coffee Cherry Tea Most People Have Never Heard Of

If you love coffee, there’s a hidden gem you need to know about: Cascara. While most people focus only on coffee beans, few realize that the fruit surrounding the bean can also be transformed into a delicious and unique drink. Cascara is often called coffee cherry tea, and it offers a sweet, fruity flavor unlike regular coffee or traditional tea.

What Is Cascara?

The word cascara means “husk” or “peel” in Spanish. In the coffee world, cascara refers to the dried outer skin and pulp of the coffee cherry.

When coffee is harvested, the bean inside the cherry is removed for roasting. Usually, the fruit pulp is discarded. But with cascara, producers dry the fruit skins and use them to make a tea-like beverage.

Think of it as getting a second drink from the same coffee plant.

How Is Cascara Made?

Cascara production starts during coffee processing:

1. Coffee cherries are picked when ripe.
2. Beans are separated from the fruit.
3. The leftover skins and pulp are cleaned.
4. They are sun-dried or mechanically dried.
5. Once dried, the cascara is brewed like tea.

What Does Cascara Taste Like?

Cascara surprises many first-time drinkers because it tastes nothing like brewed coffee.

Common flavor notes include:

• Dried fruit
• Raisin
• Hibiscus
• Cherry
• Honey
• Rosehip
• Tamarind
• Brown sugar

Does Cascara Contain Caffeine?

Yes, cascara contains some caffeine, but usually less than a cup of coffee.

The amount varies depending on:

• Coffee variety
• Brewing strength
• Serving size
• Processing method

Cascara vs Coffee

Why Cascara Deserves a Place in Your Cup

Cascara is one of coffee’s best-kept secrets. It transforms the discarded coffee cherry into a flavorful, sustainable drink with fruity sweetness and gentle caffeine.

If you want more coffee information, recipes, and seasonal coffee trends, make sure to check our blog daily and explore the Lovers.coffee marketplace for everything you need to make your moments even sweeter.