Ever heard of a beverage that's part coffee, part tea, and wholly delicious? Meet cascara - an intriguing infusion that defies categorization, straddling the worlds of coffee and tea. Crafted from the dried husk and pulp of the coffee cherry and steep like tea, this beverage offers a delightful departure from conventional brews, inviting exploration and discovery.
What is Cascara: Unveiling Coffee's Best-Kept Secret
Derived from the Spanish for “peel” or “husk,” cascara represents the often overlooked outer layer of the coffee fruit—a by-product of the coffee processing journey. While the journey of a coffee bean from cherry to cup is well-known, the fate of its surrounding husk and pulp remained largely unexplored until recently. Once destined for the compost heap, cascara now enjoys its moment in the spotlight, emerging as a distinct beverage with a rich history spanning centuries in regions like Yemen and Ethiopia.
Photo Credit: Vienna Coffee Co.
Why Drink Cascara: A Win-Win-Win Situation!
Cascara offers a compelling blend of sustainability, flavor, and health benefits. Its journey from discarded by-product to consumable beverage epitomizes sustainability, providing additional income streams for coffee farmers and minimizing food waste. Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, cascara delights the palate with a nuanced flavor profile reminiscent of cherry, raisin, hibiscus, and honey. But its appeal extends beyond taste—cascara is also a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential nutrients. From fighting free radicals to supporting heart health and promoting relaxation, cascara offers a holistic approach to well-being. Now, being a part of the coffee plant, Cascara does contain some caffeine, but in significantly smaller amounts than a typical cup of coffee. It's like nature's energy drink - a refreshing alternative for caffeine-sensitive folks!
How to Drink Cascara: As Easy as Pie!
Well, actually easier. Brewing cascara is a simple yet rewarding experience. For a hot brew, use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of hot water and steep for 2-5 minutes. Experiment with cascara amount and steeping times to find your preferred intensity. Alternatively, embrace the cold brew method by steeping cascara in room temperature water and refrigerate overnight for a refreshing twist. Serve over ice or mix with club soda for a bubbly treat. For added flair, consider infusing your cascara with citrus peel, ginger, or lemongrass for a burst of flavor.
Bringing Cascara into Créo's Product Line
During a sourcing trip to Viet Nam, we stumbled upon a hidden gem: cascara tea crafted by De Red, a local coffee producer committed to sustainability and quality. Toan, the owner and a student of a friend’s nephew (we’ve learned that the coffee and tea world in Bao Loc is so small!) graciously invited us to try his cascara tea, a drink he crafted for staff and friends to reenergize and revitalize, he is all about preventative health. Intrigued by its flavor and potential, we knew we had to share this discovery with our customers. De Red's organic cascara captures the essence of the coffee cherry in every sip, offering a unique blend of sweetness and complexity. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, cascara from De Red promises a journey of flavor, sustainability and health benefits. Let’s raise a mug to the unsung hero of the coffee world - cascara!
Toan from De Red