
Coffee Cascara: What Is It & How Do You Use It?

Coffee cascara is a naturally sweet and aromatic product made from the dried husks of the coffee cherry. Unlike roasted coffee beans, cascara offers a gentle flavour profile that blends fruity notes with tea-like qualities.
Loved for its versatility, it can be brewed into a soothing tea, served chilled for refreshment, or transformed into syrups for culinary creations. By exploring cascara, you unlock another layer of the coffee plant’s story — one that is flavourful, aromatic, and entirely unique.
Discovering the Essence of Coffee Cascara
Coffee cascara is the dried fruit that surrounds the coffee bean, transformed into a flavourful ingredient through a careful drying process. By preserving its natural sugars and aroma, this part of the coffee plant offers a taste experience that is subtly sweet and pleasantly aromatic.
With gentle fruit tones and a smooth, tea-like body, cascara is an enjoyable choice for a variety of preparations. It can be steeped as a warm infusion, served chilled for a refreshing drink, or even infused into creative recipes. Its adaptability makes it a unique way to explore the full potential of the coffee plant.
Key Characteristics of Cascara
- Naturally sweet with berry and stone fruit hints
- Mild caffeine level for any time of day
- Soft floral fragrance with honey-like depth
How to Brew Coffee Cascara
Brewing cascara is a straightforward process that rewards you with a delightful, fruit-infused drink. The steeping method is the most common, allowing the flavours to gently infuse into the water. You can brew it warm for a comforting tea or serve it over ice for a refreshing twist.
Brewing Steps
- Measure 5–7 grams of cascara per 200 ml of water.
- Heat water to around 90–95°C for optimal flavour extraction.
- Steep for 4–6 minutes, adjusting time to suit your taste.
- Strain and serve hot, or chill for iced cascara tea.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Cascara
One of the best things about cascara coffee is its adaptability. Its natural sweetness and light flavour make it perfect for experimenting with drinks and recipes. You can keep it simple or create signature beverages that highlight its fruity character. From hot infusions to chilled creations, its versatility allows you to enjoy it in ways that suit your taste and mood.
Serving Ideas
- Iced cascara tea for a refreshing summer drink
- Cascara latte with steamed milk for a soft, creamy texture
- Cascara syrup for cocktails, desserts, and baked goods
Benefits of Adding Cascara to Your Routine
Cascara offers more than just an interesting flavour. It’s a gentle, enjoyable drink that can become part of your daily routine without overpowering your senses. With its light caffeine and sweet taste, it can be enjoyed morning, afternoon, or evening. Its versatility means you can savour it hot for comfort or chilled for refreshment. Over time, it can become a favourite ritual that adds variety and warmth to your beverage choices.
Reasons to Enjoy Cascara
- Unique flavour experience with natural fruity notes
- Gentle energy boost suitable for any time
- Versatile for both hot and cold drinks
Storing Coffee Cascara for Freshness
To fully appreciate cascara’s qualities, proper storage is essential. Just like coffee beans or tea leaves, cascara is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Following a few simple storage guidelines will help you preserve its flavour and aroma for longer.
Storage Tips
- Keep cascara in an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Use within a few months for the best flavour.
Cascara & Sustainability
Cascara plays a valuable role in making coffee production more sustainable. By using the coffee cherry husk, more of the plant is utilised, reducing waste and providing additional benefits for coffee producers. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the full journey of the coffee fruit.
This thoughtful approach to using natural resources helps minimise environmental impact while promoting creativity in the coffee industry. It also inspires more people to explore and enjoy the many possibilities offered by the coffee plant beyond the bean.
Benefits of Embracing Cascara
- Reduces waste by making use of the coffee cherry
- Creates more value from each coffee harvest
- Encourages appreciation of the entire coffee plant
- Supports innovative uses in beverages and recipes
- Promotes a deeper connection between growers and consumers
Bringing Coffee Cascara Into Your World
If you enjoy discovering new tastes and brewing styles, cascara is a perfect addition to your collection. Its versatility allows you to try it as a hot tea, a refreshing iced drink, or as an ingredient in creative recipes. Every cup offers a gentle sweetness and a story worth sharing.
You can explore premium options in our Cascara Collection and start crafting your own cascara creations today.
Conclusion
Coffee cascara is a true celebration of the coffee plant’s diversity, offering a flavour profile that is both unique and approachable. Its fruity, tea-like qualities make it an enjoyable beverage on its own, while its versatility opens doors for countless creative recipes. By incorporating cascara into your routine, you embrace a richer coffee experience that goes beyond the bean itself.
Whether you’re looking to brew a soothing tea, experiment with syrups, or create signature drinks, cascara provides endless opportunities for enjoyment. To start your own cascara journey or learn more about brewing techniques, visit the contact page for guidance and inspiration.
FAQs
Does cascara taste like coffee?
No, cascara has a flavour closer to fruit tea, with natural sweetness and berry-like notes.
Can cascara be brewed cold?
Yes, cold brewing cascara results in a smooth, refreshing drink with a gentle fruitiness.
How much caffeine does cascara have?
It has less caffeine than brewed coffee, making it suitable for most times of the day.
Can I cook with cascara?
Absolutely — cascara syrup is perfect for baking, desserts, and sweet sauces.
How long should I steep cascara?
Steeping for 4–6 minutes usually gives a balanced flavour, but you can adjust based on preference.