Cascara: The Up-And-Coming Superfood
Deep in the tropical climate where there is plenty of sunshine, no frigid temperatures, and copious amounts of water, thrives coffee trees. These woody evergreens grow best at higher elevations and reach 10 feet to 12 feet in height. Amongst the coffee tree branches sprout healthy clusters of bright red, round berries called cascara or better known as coffee fruit, coffee cherry, or stone fruit. Embedded deep in the thick skin and pulp of the fruit is the coffee seed, also known as the coffee bean. More than 70 countries spread throughout the world produce coffee, but the top five producing include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
After 9 months of the fruit ripening, it is harvested in one of three ways; strip picked, machine picked, or hand-picked. The raw coffee bean is then extracted from the fruit and transitioned into the processing stage which consists of a dry or wet method. Once processed, the beans are dried to a precise moisture ratio, then milled to perfection, and lastly roasted to 400 degrees. Throughout the course of extracting the bean, the most essential portion of the fruit is disregarded due to the popularity and high demand of the bean itself. Some farms will repurpose the fruit by turning it into compost to fertilize the farm, while a smaller percentage of farms will use the fruit to produce tea, also known as Qishr. Each coffee tree can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit or 2 pounds of green beans, which means an astonishing 8 pounds of fruit is unfortunately disposed of.
Harvesting cascara demands the same level of attentiveness as processing the sought-out coffee bean. Ensuring the fruit is precisely grown, harvested, produced, and dried results in a higher quality and better-tasting beverage or snack. Cascara doesn’t contain any flavor or hint of coffee whatsoever, although it is still packed with caffeine. Because it is dried fruit, it closely resembles an herbal tea. Depending on where the fruit was grown, and when it was picked in addition to the brewing process, the flavor, body, and acidity will each have their own unique profile. Cascara tends to have a naturally sweeter element, balanced with a tangy or floral component.
BeGOAT is extremely sincere and authentic with the cascara harvesting process. From the farm they source the cascara through to brewing a clean and sustainable energy beverage, each step is meticulously thought through. BeGOAT resourcefully hand-picks each of the ripe fruits to preserve as much pulp. Next, they utilize an eco-friendly process to extract the fruit from the bean to ensure all the nutrients are maintained. Lastly, they crafted flawless recipes to bring the cascara and other flavors together in one sweet, natural, and robust beverage. All while preserving the nutrients the cascara offers.
There is a significant amount of research and ongoing studies about the health benefits of cascara and why we should factor this fruit into our daily diet. Fortunately, BeGOAT has made it even more convenient to consume this desirable superfood!
“Superfood (noun.); a food considered exceptionally good for one’s health and for boosting the immune system owing to its naturally high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or omega-3 fatty acids”. Cascara has gained significant traction and is now recognized as one of the most valuable superfoods, due to ongoing research, high amounts of antioxidants, and other health benefits. Here you’ll understand why BeGOAT has curated a delicious beverage utilizing cascara as the key ingredient in every recipe and why you should be consuming this health-boosting fruit!
- Cascara is bursting with nutrients and antioxidants –
Research is finding that cascara exceeds antioxidant-rich foods such as acai, pomegranates, and even blueberries. Along with the high amounts of antioxidants that help fight free radicals to protect against cell damage and chronic disease, this fruit is loaded with polyphenols which lower blood sugar, decrease cancer risk, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. Cascara is also packed with a nourishing amount of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Magnesium, Chlorogenic acid, Quinic acid, and Diterpenes.
- Cascara helps improve cognitive health –
Studies have shown that after consuming cascara, there is double the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a protein that protects the brain cells and spinal cord from damage. Usually, BDNF levels are raised through sleep, exercise, intermittent fasting, and implementing a ketogenic diet, but cascara is able to create this same response and overall improves cognitive performance.
- Cascara supports the immune system –
Although studies are ongoing, current reports show that cascara extract can improve immune function and activate immune cells. All the high levels of nutrient and antioxidant properties play a huge role in the immunity-boosting benefits.
- Cascara provides a healthy energy boost –
Containing natural caffeine, cascara is one of the more organic ways to consume your daily dose. Each portion of the fruit offers a different amount of caffeine, so depending on the portions of the fruit that is processed the caffeine level per serving is reflected. Levels can range anywhere from 5 to 20 milligrams per serving. As a side note, a single can of BeGOAT contains a favorable 200 milligrams of caffeine. This is equivalent to 2 cups of coffee, offering a sustained amount of energy to carry you through the day.
- Cascara can help lower stress and anxiety –
With the high levels of chlorogenic acid, which is a compound that protects our cells and brain from stress, cascara reduces the body’s ability to produce stress hormones. Therefore, stress and anxiety can be remedied without needing to consume unnatural capsules. Chlorogenic acid is also known to reduce blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
- Cascara is a great option for slimming down –
Chlorogenic acid is a natural antioxidant compound found in cascara. The ample amounts of this acid have been known to help decrease overall weight and belly fat. Cascara is also recognized to inhibit new fat cell growth and help release stored fat to be used as energy.
While the specific levels of nutrients and antioxidants are still undergoing research, it is known that cascara embraces a considerable list of positive health benefits making it an up-and-coming superfood. Due to its superfood properties, it is becoming a coveted beverage component, food supplement, and even skin product ingredient.
Not only is BeGOAT a crisp, clean, thirst-quenching energy beverage that gives purpose to the normally discarded cascara fruit, but it is also packed full of a perfect 200 milligrams of clean caffeine, maxed out at 25 calories, topped off with a low 5 grams of organic cane sugar, 100% plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, and brewed with all naturally sourced ingredients.
BeGOAT has thoroughly concocted 7 incredibly delicious flavors, so there is an option for all. No need to look any further when you are on the hunt for your next boost of antioxidants, immunity reinforcement, or low-calorie midday pick-me-up.
- Cascara Berry
- Grapefruit Tangerine
- Hibiscus Lime
- Strawberry Lemon Ginger
- Watermelon Dragonfruit
- Jackfruit Coconut Mango
- Lemonade Mint
BeGOAT Cascara+ is better for the people and better for the planet.
Stop by your local market today for a refreshing and sustainable BeGOAT Cascara+ beverage, or shop online, and don’t forget to follow us on social media!
References & Resources:
https://drinkbegoat.com/cascara/
https://blog.greenwellfarms.com/5-reasons-why-you-should-incorporate-coffee-cherries-into-your-diet/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-coffee-fruit
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-fruit-coffee-berry
https://epicureandculture.com/coffee-cherry/
https://www.ncausa.org/about-coffee/10-steps-from-seed-to-cup
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/superfood
https://erinpalinski.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coffee-berry-health/
https://kogofoods.com/blogs/recent-posts/coffee-cherry-benefits
