Cascara tea is a unique beverage made from the dried husks of coffee cherries, offering a fruity and lightly caffeinated alternative to traditional teas and coffee. It has gained popularity in recent years for its sweet, slightly tangy flavor, often described as a mix between hibiscus, rose hips, and dried fruit. While cascara has long been consumed in coffee-growing regions, many people are only now discovering how easy and enjoyable it is to make cascara tea at home. Whether served hot or iced, cascara tea can be customized with spices, citrus, or sweeteners to suit your personal preferences. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to make cascara tea, including ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful variations to try.
What Is Cascara?
Understanding the Source
Cascara, meaning ‘husk’ or ‘skin’ in Spanish, refers to the dried outer layer of the coffee cherry the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. After harvesting coffee beans, the outer cherry pulp is typically discarded. However, when dried properly, these husks can be brewed into a delicious and aromatic tea. Cascara contains a small amount of caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, making it an appealing option for those looking for a mild energy boost without the intensity of brewed coffee.
Flavor Profile and Benefits
Cascara tea has a naturally sweet and fruity taste. The flavor is often compared to dried berries, tamarind, or even tobacco, depending on how it is dried and where it is sourced. Beyond its flavor, cascara offers several benefits:
- Low in caffeine but energizing
- Contains natural antioxidants
- Good for hydration and digestion
- Eco-friendly, as it utilizes coffee industry byproducts
This sustainable beverage can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a daily wellness routine.
Ingredients and Equipment
What You Need to Brew Cascara Tea
Making cascara tea requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons of dried cascara (adjust to taste)
- 12 ounces of hot water (just below boiling, around 200°F or 93°C)
- Optional: sweetener (honey, sugar, or agave syrup)
- Optional: citrus slices or spices like cinnamon or ginger
For equipment, you’ll need:
- Teapot, French press, or infuser
- Kettle for heating water
- Strainer (if not using a French press)
- Cup or mug for serving
High-quality, organic cascara is best, preferably sourced from reputable coffee farms that dry the skins using clean, controlled processes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Hot Cascara Tea
Follow these steps to brew a classic cup of hot cascara tea:
- Heat water to about 200°F (93°C), slightly below boiling.
- Place the dried cascara into your teapot, French press, or infuser.
- Pour the hot water over the cascara.
- Let the mixture steep for 4 to 6 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more flavorful the tea becomes.
- Strain the tea into a cup if using a teapot or infuser. If using a French press, simply press and pour.
- Add sweetener, citrus, or spices if desired. Stir gently and serve hot.
The resulting brew should have a reddish-brown hue and a fragrant, fruity aroma. You can experiment with steeping times to find the strength that suits your taste best.
Making Iced Cascara Tea
Refreshing Cold Brew Option
Cascara tea is also delicious when served cold, especially on hot days. Here’s how to prepare it as a cold brew:
- Use 1 cup of dried cascara for every 4 cups of cold water.
- Combine the cascara and water in a pitcher or jar.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours to allow slow infusion.
- After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
- Serve over ice with optional sweetener or lemon slices.
This method produces a smoother, naturally sweet tea with a light body and subtle complexity. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Flavor Variations and Additions
Customize Your Cascara Tea
Cascara is quite versatile, and its flavor pairs well with many additions. Try these popular flavor combinations to enhance your tea experience:
- Cascara with citrus: Add lemon, lime, or orange slices for a bright, zesty touch.
- Spiced cascara tea: Infuse with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise during steeping for a warming twist.
- Sweetened cascara: A touch of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar balances the tart notes.
- Ginger cascara: Fresh ginger root adds a spicy, digestive-friendly flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients depending on the season or your personal preferences. You can even create a tea concentrate and mix it with sparkling water for a homemade cascara soda.
Tips for Brewing the Best Cascara Tea
Get the Most Out of Your Brew
To make the most flavorful and aromatic cascara tea, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh, high-quality cascara.Older husks may lose their flavor and aroma.
- Mind the water temperature.Avoid boiling water, which can extract bitterness.
- Experiment with steeping time.A longer steep yields stronger flavor, but too long can make it overly tannic.
- Reuse the husks once.Cascara can sometimes be steeped a second time, especially if you enjoy milder tea.
With a little practice, you’ll find the right balance that suits your taste and brings out the best qualities of the cascara.
Health Considerations and Caffeine Content
How Much Caffeine Is in Cascara?
While cascara comes from the coffee plant, its caffeine content is significantly lower than brewed coffee. On average, an 8 oz cup of cascara tea contains around 25 milligrams of caffeine, compared to about 95 milligrams in a regular cup of coffee. This makes cascara tea a great option for those who want a gentle energy lift without the jitters.
Cascara is also a good source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress. Some early studies suggest it may support digestion and inflammation reduction, though more research is needed. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or pregnant, it’s best to consult a health professional before regular consumption.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Supporting Eco-Friendly Practices
One of the most appealing aspects of cascara tea is its sustainability. By using the coffee cherry husk, which is often discarded in coffee production, cascara helps reduce waste and adds value for coffee farmers. Many specialty coffee producers now sell cascara as a way to support ethical and eco-conscious farming practices.
When purchasing cascara, try to buy from trusted sources or directly from coffee roasters that can trace their supply chain. Look for organic or fair-trade certifications when available to ensure that the product is both safe and ethically produced.
Learning how to make cascara tea opens the door to a refreshing, flavorful, and eco-friendly beverage that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, plain or with flavorful additions, cascara tea offers a versatile alternative to traditional drinks. Its fruity notes, light caffeine content, and healthful properties make it a great choice for everyday sipping. As you become more familiar with the brewing process, don’t be afraid to experiment and make cascara tea your own signature drink.