Costa Rican Cascara (coffee fruit tea)

This Costa Rican Cascara is sourced via Marunic Trading, who in turn sourced this from Exclusive Coffees from Costa Rica.

What is Cascara

Coffee is the pip of a fruit that looks like a cherry. In general this fruit is either dried on the coffee bean (as per natural processed coffees) or for honey or washed coffees the fruit is removed from the pip first, using a de-pulper.

Typically, the fruit is discarded or used as compost. If a producer is interested in making a fruit tea rather, the skin and pulp are dried to make a fruit tea. It does take a bit of work to dry, since the fruit needs to be dried so that it does not ferment. If done properly it produces a very enjoyable fruit tea.

Typical Cascara

Cascara’s texture profile is similar to many other fruit teas. While it is made from the cherry from a coffee tree it is more fruity and floral with flavours that resemble hibiscus, cherry, red fruits, and rose hip. You can enjoy it hot as Tea, or Cold (even adding a Lemon).

Brewing Suggestion

• Use a plunger (or U-French-Press), AeroPress or a jug and then a strainer.
• Add the cascara to the brewing vessel. For a milder version use 8g for a stronger version use12g of cascara
• 200ml filtered water at 95-98 degrees Celsius
• Immerse/Infuse the cherries in hot water for 4-7 minutes (depending on strength desired).
• Plunger or filter the fruit out.

Drink it with hot or cold. Try to add  ice, lemon, strawberries, orange. Have fun.

Nutritional composition of this Cascara

For a portion: 100g