Enjoy Cascara: Origins, brewing methods, health benefits

In the ever-evolving world of coffee, Cascara has emerged as a new star, capturing the attention of coffee lovers worldwide. This article will guide you through the proper way to enjoy Cascara, from its origins and brewing methods to its potential health benefits.

Introduction to Cascara Coffee

Cascara, derived from the Spanish word “cáscara” meaning “peel” or “skin,” is a unique tea made from the husks and pulp of coffee cherries. Unlike traditional coffee, Cascara utilizes the part often discarded during coffee production, creating a beverage with a completely different flavor profile.

Imagine sipping a cup of Cascara. You’ll experience a natural sweetness, with notes of fruits and dried berries blending together. Many liken the taste of Cascara to a symphony of cherries, raisins, and even honey. The delicate balance between natural sweetness and light acidity creates a complex and intriguing flavor profile, making each sip of Cascara a memorable experience.

Why you should try Cascara?

Cascara is not just a novel beverage; it carries significant value. It opens new horizons for both coffee and tea enthusiasts while contributing to sustainability in the coffee industry. By using the coffee cherry skin, Cascara helps reduce waste during coffee production.

Additionally, Cascara is a nutritional treasure, high in antioxidants and lower in caffeine than traditional coffee. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without worrying about caffeine’s effects.

Understanding Cascara

Processing

The process of making Cascara is a fascinating journey, transforming fresh coffee cherries into a unique beverage. It all begins with harvesting ripe coffee cherries. The beans are then carefully separated from the skin and pulp. Instead of being discarded, these skins are dried under the sun or in specialized dryers.

The drying process requires patience and skill to ensure Cascara retains its natural flavors and valuable nutrients. After drying, Cascara is meticulously screened to remove impurities and unwanted debris. Finally, the product is carefully packaged to preserve its flavor and freshness.

Nutritional Value of Cascara

Cascara is not only a flavorful beverage but also a rich source of nutrients. It contains significant amounts of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, Cascara provides vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system and healthy skin.

Cascara also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which play crucial roles in various bodily functions. Notably, Cascara has lower caffeine levels than traditional coffee, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying a unique coffee flavor.

Diverse Flavors of Cascara

Cascara’s flavor is a vibrant palette, shaped by several factors. Like wine, Cascara’s flavor is influenced by terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and altitude where the coffee is grown. For example, Cascara from Ethiopia’s highlands might have delicate floral notes, while Cascara from Colombia could stand out with tropical fruit flavors.

The coffee variety also plays an important role in determining the final flavor profile. Cascara from Arabica beans often results in a sweeter, more complex tea compared to Robusta. Additionally, the processing method greatly impacts the flavor. Sun-dried Cascara can offer deeper fruit notes than mechanically dried versions.

Finally, the ripeness of the coffee cherries at harvest is a key factor. Fully ripe cherries yield a sweeter Cascara, while slightly unripe cherries can offer interesting acidic notes. These factors combine to create a rich diversity of flavors in the world of Cascara, promising a delightful culinary adventure for those who enjoy exploring new tastes.

Brewing Cascara

Hot Brewing

1. Traditional Method

Using a filter:

• Place 10-12g of Cascara in a filter.
• Slowly pour 200ml of boiling water (90-95°C) through the filter.
• Steeping time: 3-5 minutes.

Using a tea bag:

• Place 10-12g of Cascara in a tea bag.
• Steep the bag in 200ml of boiling water.
• Steeping time: 5-7 minutes.

2. Modern Method

Using a coffee machine:

• Place 15-20g of Cascara in the filter.
• Set the machine to brew with 300ml of water at 90-95°C.
• Steeping time: as per the machine’s settings (usually 3-4 minutes).

Using a teapot:

• Place 15-20g of Cascara in the teapot.
• Pour 300ml of boiling water into the pot.
• Steeping time: 5-7 minutes.

Note: The recommended Cascara-to-water ratio is 1:15 to 1:20. Ideal water temperature is 90-95°C.

Cold Brewing

1. Traditional Cold Brew Method

• Place 50g of Cascara in a glass jar.
• Pour 1 liter of cold water into the jar.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Steeping time: 12-24 hours.

2. Modern Cold Brew Method

Using a cold brew pitcher:

• Place 80-100g of Cascara in the pitcher’s filter.
• Slowly pour 1 liter of cold water in.
• Steeping time: 12-18 hours in the fridge.

Note: The Cascara-to-water ratio for cold brew is 1:10 to 1:12.

Enjoying Cascara

Ideal Temperature

Temperature plays a key role in enhancing Cascara’s unique flavors. For hot Cascara, the ideal drinking temperature is between 60-65°C. At this temperature, Cascara’s aromatic notes are fully released, providing the best drinking experience. A tip is to let the Cascara cool slightly after brewing, allowing you to appreciate its subtle flavors.

For cold Cascara, the ideal temperature is between 4-8°C. When served with ice, cold Cascara delivers a refreshing and relaxing sensation, especially perfect for hot summer days. Try adding a few large ice cubes to your Cascara—they melt slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

Pairing with Other Ingredients

Cascara is a versatile drink that can pair wonderfully with various ingredients to create unique flavor experiences. Here are a few suggestions:

• Adding sugar, honey, or milk: For those who enjoy sweetness, try adding a bit of brown sugar or honey to your Cascara. Brown sugar offers a deep sweetness, while honey adds a natural floral aroma. A teaspoon per 200ml of Cascara is enough to create the perfect balance. For a creamy touch, adding almond or coconut milk (about 30ml per 200ml of Cascara) will introduce a whole new flavor dimension while maintaining the drink’s plant-based nature.
• Pairing with fresh fruit and herbs: Transform your Cascara into a culinary masterpiece by adding slices of fresh lemon or orange. The citrus aroma enhances Cascara’s natural acidity, creating a complex and intriguing flavor. For a refreshing twist, try adding mint or basil leaves. These herbs not only bring a light fragrance but also offer a cool, refreshing sensation.
• Crafting into cocktails: Cascara can also become a great ingredient in cocktails. Try a Cascara Mojito by combining cold Cascara with rum, mint leaves, sugar, and a splash of lime. Or, for a lighter option, Cascara Spritz—a mix of cold Cascara, prosecco, soda, and orange—makes a fantastic choice for summer afternoons.

When to Enjoy Cascara

Cascara is a flexible drink, suitable for different times of the day:

• Morning: Replacing traditional coffee with a hot cup of Cascara is a great way to start your day. With lower caffeine content, Cascara offers a gentle alertness without causing jitters or anxiety.
• Afternoon: Cold Cascara is perfect for hot afternoons. It not only refreshes and revitalizes but also provides a relaxing sensation to help you shake off post-lunch drowsiness.
• Evening: In the evening, you can enjoy a warm, caffeine-free Cascara (short brew time) to wind down. Cascara’s mild aroma and natural sweetness can help you unwind after a long day.

Health benefits of Cascara

Cascara is not just a delicious drink, it also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the nutritional value of Cascara:

Antioxidants

Cascara is a treasure trove of antioxidants, especially polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative stress, a major cause of chronic diseases and premature aging.

When you enjoy a cup of Cascara, you’re providing your body with a significant dose of antioxidants. These antioxidants act like tiny warriors, protecting your cells from free radical damage. This not only helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases but also supports slowing down the aging process, helping you maintain long-term health and a youthful appearance.

Vitamins and Minerals

Cascara is not only rich in antioxidants but also contains important vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C: Cascara is a natural source of vitamin C. It not only strengthens the immune system but also plays a key role in collagen production, helping maintain healthy and firm skin.
• Potassium: This mineral is essential for heart health and maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Regular consumption of Cascara can help stabilize blood pressure.
• Magnesium: Magnesium in Cascara supports nerve and muscle function. It also helps improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
• Calcium: Although not a major source of calcium, Cascara provides a small amount that contributes to bone and dental health.

Health Effects

Regular consumption of Cascara can bring several health benefits:

• Digestive Support: The fiber in Cascara can help improve digestion. It supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving overall digestive health.
• Immune Boost: The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants in Cascara can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient against diseases.
• Mood Enhancement: Caffeine and theanine in Cascara can help increase alertness and focus. However, with lower caffeine content than traditional coffee, Cascara is less likely to cause side effects like anxiety or insomnia.
• Stress Reduction: Theanine in Cascara has a relaxing effect, helping to reduce stress. Enjoying a warm cup of Cascara can be a great way to unwind after a stressful day.

Conclusion

From a warm cup of Cascara in the morning to a refreshing Cascara cocktail in the evening, this drink offers incredible versatility. It’s not just a beverage, but an experience—a way to connect with the origins of coffee and fully savor the flavor of the coffee cherry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should Cascara be called coffee?

Although Cascara originates from the coffee plant, it is not coffee in the traditional sense. Cascara is made from the husk and pulp of the coffee cherry, not from the coffee bean itself. Therefore, its flavor and characteristics are quite different from regular coffee.

2. Does Cascara contain caffeine?

Yes, but Cascara generally contains significantly less caffeine than traditional coffee. Typically, the caffeine content in Cascara is about 1/4 to 1/2 of that found in coffee. This makes Cascara an excellent option for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying the unique taste of the coffee plant.

3. Can Cascara completely replace coffee?

While Cascara can be a great alternative to coffee in many cases, it doesn’t necessarily have to “completely replace” coffee. Cascara and coffee have different flavors and characteristics, each with its own advantages. Many people enjoy incorporating both into their daily routine. For example, they might drink coffee in the morning for a quick boost of energy and enjoy Cascara in the afternoon for a lighter refreshment.

4. Is Cascara suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Cascara is entirely suitable for vegetarians and even vegans. It is made from the husk and pulp of the coffee cherry, containing no animal-derived ingredients. This makes Cascara a great option for those following a plant-based diet.

5. How should Cascara be stored?

To keep Cascara fresh and preserve its best flavor, store it in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The ideal storage location is a cool, dry place like a pantry or refrigerator. When stored properly, Cascara can maintain its quality for about 6-12 months.