The wellness world has seen a surge in interest in natural superfoods — and one lesser-known contender quietly rising in popularity is cascara. Also known as “coffee cherry tea,” cascara offers a unique blend of rich flavor, mild caffeine, and impressive health benefits. Despite its origins in the coffee industry, cascara is not your typical coffee product — and it’s making waves as a sustainable, nutritious, and delicious beverage option.
What is Cascara?
Cascara, which means “husk” or “skin” in Spanish, is the dried outer layer of the coffee cherry. While most people are familiar with the roasted coffee bean, few realize that this bean is actually the seed of a fruit. The coffee cherry is a small, red or purple fruit, and once the seed is removed for coffee production, the skin and pulp — the cascara — are typically discarded or used as compost.
However, in coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia, Yemen, and parts of Central America, cascara has traditionally been brewed into a tea-like beverage. It offers a flavor profile that’s more akin to herbal or fruit teas than to coffee — think notes of cherry, hibiscus, red currant, and tobacco with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
Today, cascara is gaining recognition not just for its flavor but also for its health benefits, sustainability, and culinary versatility.
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Cascara
Cascara is more than a flavorful beverage. It contains a range of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, polyphenols, and trace amounts of caffeine, making it a gentle yet beneficial addition to a healthy diet.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Cascara is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, compounds known to fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
One of the most notable antioxidants in cascara is chlorogenic acid, which is also found in coffee and has been linked to benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and fat metabolism.
2. Mild, Sustained Energy Boost
Unlike brewed coffee, which delivers a rapid spike of caffeine, cascara contains only a modest amount of caffeine — usually around 25 mg per cup (compared to 95 mg in a standard cup of coffee). This lower dose can offer a gentle lift in energy and mental clarity without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption that some people experience with coffee.
This makes cascara an ideal beverage for those who are sensitive to caffeine or want a midday pick-me-up that won’t interfere with their sleep.
3. Promotes Digestive Health
The fiber and natural compounds in cascara can support digestive function. While cascara sagrada (a different species used traditionally as a laxative) is more potent in this regard, the dietary fiber and mild stimulant properties of cascara can help encourage regularity and gut health.
Additionally, the polyphenols in cascara may act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy microbiome.
4. Supports Heart and Metabolic Health
Preliminary research suggests that the polyphenols in cascara may help regulate blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support metabolic function. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatingeffects, which can contribute to cardiovascular health.
Furthermore, chlorogenic acid has been associated with blood sugar regulation, potentially helping to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. Hydrating and Low in Calories
Cascara is typically brewed like tea and contains no added sugars or calories when prepared on its own. It’s a great option for hydration, especially for those who want a flavorful alternative to plain water or sugary drinks.
Its natural sweetness and fruitiness also make it ideal for iced tea, sparkling beverages, or even infusions with citrus and herbs.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
One of the most compelling aspects of cascara is its role in sustainable coffee production.
Historically, the pulp and skin of the coffee cherry were treated as waste products. By using cascara as a beverage or ingredient, farmers and producers can reduce agricultural waste, increase profitability, and create new revenue streams for coffee-growing communities.
In fact, some sustainability-focused coffee farms now view cascara as a value-added product that can help combat the economic volatility of the coffee market. It also reduces environmental impact by minimizing organic waste and turning it into a consumable good.
Culinary Uses of Cascara
Beyond tea, cascara has a wide range of culinary applications:
- Infused Syrups: Cascara can be steeped and reduced into a syrup for use in cocktails, lattes, and desserts.
- Fermented Drinks: Cascara is used in kombucha-style beverages, as its natural sugars and antioxidants ferment well.
- Baking Ingredient: Dried cascara can be ground and added to baked goods for a unique, fruity flavor.
- Sparkling Cascara: Carbonated cascara drinks are popping up in cafes and health stores, offering a soda alternative with real benefits.
Baristas, chefs, and mixologists are finding creative ways to integrate cascara into menus, making it not only a health trend but a gourmet experience.
Potential Considerations and Safety
Cascara is generally considered safe, but a few things are worth noting:
- Caffeine Sensitivity: While the caffeine content is low, it’s still present. People with extreme sensitivity to caffeine or those who are pregnant should moderate their intake.
- Quality Matters: Not all cascara is processed equally. Look for organic, sustainably sourced, and properly dried cascara to ensure safety and flavor.
- Not to Be Confused with Cascara Sagrada: Cascara (coffee cherry) is not the same as cascara sagrada, a laxative made from a different plant (Rhamnus purshiana). They have very different properties and uses.
Conclusion: A Superfood on the Rise
Cascara is more than just a byproduct of coffee — it’s a nutrient-rich, sustainable superfood that offers a unique flavor and a host of health benefits. With its antioxidants, low caffeine content, and eco-friendly credentials, cascara is finding its place in the world of health-conscious beverages.
Whether enjoyed as a warm tea, a cold sparkling drink, or a culinary infusion, cascara offers a bridge between ancient tradition and modern wellness. As more people seek out sustainable, functional foods and drinks, cascara is poised to become a staple in kitchens and cafés around the world.
The BeGOAT Advantage
BeGOAT Clean Energy drinks harness the natural power of Cascara+, using the whole coffee fruit to deliver smooth, sustained energy without the crash. Each can packs 200 mg of caffeine and zero calories, naturally sweetened with organic stevia (Reb M) and monk fruit. Crafted from non-GMO, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, BeGOAT offers a clean, eco-friendly energy boost—fuel to help you perform at your best, every time.
Zero Sugar Flavors:
- Blue Raspberry
- Huckleberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Acai
OG Flavors:
- Grapefruit Tangerine
- Hibiscus Lime
- Strawberry Lemon Ginger
- Watermelon Dragonfruit
Pick one up at your local market for a refreshing, sustainable sip, or order online anytime. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay connected!
You can find BeGOAT at select retailers, including Amazon, New Seasons Market, Market of Choice, Town & Country Markets, and participating Safeway and Albertsons locations.
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